WeArable teChnology daTa driVen digitAl healTh cOachINg (ACTIVATION)- A Mixed-methods Study

WeArable teChnology daTa driVen digitAl healTh cOachINg (ACTIVATION)- A Mixed-methods Study

Public health priorities have shifted towards disease prevention, emphasising health promotion and lifestyle interventions to reduce disease burden. Despite global efforts, the prevalence of chronic diseases remains high, with lifestyle factors such as alcohol consumption, diet, smoking, obesity, and sedentary behaviour playing significant roles. In Singapore, suboptimal lifestyle behaviours are common, contributing to a high incidence of chronic conditions. Metabolic syndrome (MetS), linked to obesity, poses a growing societal burden due to its association with cardiovascular risks. Disparities exist in the delivery of lifestyle interventions among healthcare providers (HCPs), with many patients receiving inadequate guidance. Digital health coaching, incorporating wearable technology, offers promising solutions to bridge these gaps, providing personalised, real-time support and feedback to improve lifestyle behaviours and prevent disease progression. Challenges such as time constraints, lack of feedback, and limited support can be addressed through remote monitoring and tailored interventions, making scalable population-level interventions feasible.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 21-75 years old

• Patients who are at risk of any of the following:

  1. Elevated blood pressure
  2. Overweight (BMI>=23kg/m2)
  3. Pre-diabetes, OR

• Patients who have one or more of the following (HOLD) conditions:

  1. Hypertension
  2. Obesity (BMI>=27.5kg/m2)
  3. HyperLipidemia
  4. Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

• Patients who own a smartphone

• Patients who are willing to wear a smartwatch during the intervention period.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients who have a medical condition that prevented participation in physical activity
• Patients who have current diagnosis or history of eating disorder, depression
• Patients who are currently pregnant or planning to become pregnant in the next 6 months
• Patients who are currently participating in a weight loss programme (commercial, medically supervised, or research study)
• Patients who are on weight loss medications (over-the-counter or prescription)
• Patients who are not mentally-, physically- or technologically-capable
• Patients who is unable to provide informed consent.