Application of the IDEAS framework in adapting a web-based physical activity intervention for young adult college students
Date
2022
Authors
Hartson, Kimberly R.
Della, Lindsay J.
King, Kristi M.
Liu, Sam
Newquist, Paige N.
Rhodes, Ryan E.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Healthcare
Abstract
User-centered developmental processes are critical to ensuring acceptability of e-health
behavioral interventions, and yet physical activity research continues to be inundated with top-down
developmental approaches. The IDEAS (Integrate, Design, Assess, and Share) framework outlines
a user-centered process for development of e-health interventions. The purpose of this manuscript
is to describe the application of the IDEAS framework in adapting a web-based physical activity
intervention for young adult college students. Steps 1–3 emphasized integrating insights from users
and theory and Steps 4–7 focused on iterative and rapid design with user feedback. Data were collected
via repeat qualitative interviews with young adult college students (N = 7). Resulting qualitative
metathemes were engagement, accountability, and cultural fit. Therefore, intervention modifications
focused on strategies to foster ongoing engagement with the program (e.g., increase interactivity),
support personal and social accountability (e.g., private social media group), and provide a cultural fit
within the college lifestyle (e.g., images relevant to student life). The resulting web-based intervention
included eight weekly lessons, an expanded resource library, “how-to” videos, step and goal trackers,
and a private social media group to be led by a wellness coach. In conclusion, the IDEAS framework
guided an efficient, user-centered adaptation process that integrated empirical evidence and behavior
change theory with user preferences and feedback. Furthermore, the process allowed us to address
barriers to acceptability during the design and build stages rather than at later stages of pilot and
efficacy testing.
Description
Keywords
IDEAS framework, physical activity, e-health, young adults
Citation
Hartson, K., Della, L., King, K., Liu, S., Newquist, P., & Rhodes, R. (2022). “Application of the IDEAS framework in adapting a web-based physical activity intervention for young adult college students.” Healthcare, 10(4), 700. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10040700