Cited by 135Mobile Health and mHealth ApplicationsDigital Mental Health InterventionsHealth Literacy and Information Accessibility

Chronic Health Conditions and Internet Behavioral Interventions: A Review of Factors to Enhance User Engagement

Open access
SCHUBART, JANE R., STUCKEY, HEATHER L., GANESHAMOORTHY, AMBIKA, SCIAMANNA, CHRISTOPHER N.·2011·CIN: Computers, Informatics, Nursing

Abstract

The objective of this study was to review the evidence about what factors influence user engagement in Internet-based behavioral interventions for chronic illness. We conducted a systematic review of the recent published literature. Searches of MEDLINE (using Ovid and PubMed), The Cochrane Library, and PsycINFO, from January 2000 to December 2008, were completed. Additional articles were identified from searching the bibliographies of retrieved articles. We identified studies of interactive health communication interventions delivered via the Internet that, apart from delivering health information, had another component such as interactive tools to manage illness, decision support for treatment, or social support. We restricted the age range to adulthood. The search identified 186 abstracts; 46 articles were reviewed. We used a qualitative approach called "positive deviance" to study those interventions that have succeeded in engaging users where most have failed. Some ways to improve user engagement in Internet interventions suggested by our review include addressing health concerns that are important and relevant to an individual patient or consumer and an individualized approach, such as personally tailored advice and feedback. Interventions that are part of larger health management programs that include clinicians appear to be especially promising.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.1097/ncn.0b013e3182065eed

Cites

70 of 70 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Nothing to recompute.

Claims the paper makes

0 of 22 cited sources checked · 0 supported · 0 flagged

  • Findingreasoning

    When judging adherence, the appropriate dosage or usage was often unclear.

    “In assessing adherence to the intervention, it was often not clear what the dosage or usage should be.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingown data

    Usage reporting varied across the included studies.

    “We found that the reporting of usage was not uniform across studies.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingown data

    The studies with low attrition reported rates from 0% to 8%.

    “The studies described below reported low attrition rates, ranging from 0% to 8%.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Premisecitation

    Trials of online self-help programs generally support developing such interventions for various chronic conditions.

    “The results of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) testing Internet-delivered self-help programs generally provide evidence to support development for a range of chronic health conditions.5”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [5] source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Study design and conductreasoning

    As online interventions grow more complex, isolating the features that help or hinder engagement becomes harder.

    “Another study limitation relates to the fact that Internet interventions are increasingly complex, and it is a challenge to tease out the specific features that contribute or detract from the intervention’s ability to keep users engaged.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims. 19
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 10
  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Among the 39 studies that reported attrition, the range was 0% to 85%, with a median of 24%.

    “Attrition ranged from zero to 85% (median = 24%) in the 39 studies reporting attrition.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    The review identified 46 articles for inclusion.

    “The search identified 186 abstracts; 46 articles were reviewed.”
    • Also stated in: § Analysis · plain
      “Additional articles were identified from the bibliographies, and 46 studies were subsequently identified for inclusion and are listed in Table 1.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    Over time, log-in rates generally fell, and the steepest declines occurred early.

    “Not surprisingly, log-in rates tended to decline over time (even for studies reporting lower attrition), with the largest drops experienced early in the intervention.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Southard et al. found that the Internet intervention group had fewer cardiac events; weight changes were significant, but blood pressure and lipid differences were not.

    “Fewer cardiac events occurred in the Internet intervention group. Weight changes were significant, whereas other differences such as blood pressure and lipid levels did not reach statistical significance.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Southard et al61

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Harvey-Berino et al. found that the Internet arm was less effective than minimal or frequent in-person therapist support, yet attrition remained low.

    “Although the Internet intervention was not as effective as minimal or frequent in-person therapist support, low attrition was attained.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Harvey-Berino et al37,41

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    In the Schulz et al. study, professional feedback, social support, and dynamic Web site content seemed to be the main factors engaging users and producing zero attrition.

    “The availability of professional feedback and social support and the dynamic nature of the Web site appear to be the key features that engaged users, contributing to a zero attrition rate.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The features that distinguish low-attrition from high-attrition interventions are causally responsible for differences in user engagement, rather than being confounded by other study characteristics.
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

    Premisenone given

    Program dose is a critical part of any behavior change intervention.

    “An essential component of a behavior change intervention is program dose.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Strom et al. reported that 56% of 102 eligible participants dropped out; only 20 of 45 remained in the treatment arm over the 6-week study.

    “Fifty-six percent of the 102 participants who met inclusion criteria dropped out of the study, leaving only 20 of 45 in the treatment group for the 6-week study duration.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Strom et al50

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationreasoning

    When dropout is high, the statistical handling of dropouts matters for judging effectiveness.

    “Also, in studies with high dropout rates, how dropouts are treated statistically is important in determining the intervention’s effectiveness.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Houston and Ford found that adding a motivational introductory page improved outcomes, but concurrent changes left the results inconclusive.

    “For example, Houston and Ford29 found that the addition of a motivational introductory page improved the health outcomes studies, but because other changes were made, the results were far from conclusive.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Houston and Ford29

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The short duration of the Cousineau et al. study and its $100 cash incentive may have boosted participation.

    “Participation may have been enhanced by the short duration of the study and $100 cash incentive.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductnone given

    The MeSH database helped avoid incorrect search terms.

    “However, using the MeSH database reduced the possibility of searching incorrect keywords.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Bickel et al. retained 58% in the standard arm, 53% in the therapist-delivered arm, and 62% in the computer-assisted arm.

    “The study retained 58%, 53%, and 62% of participants in the standard, therapist-delivered, and computer-assisted treatment study arms, respectively.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Bickel et al54

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationreasoning

    Excluding losses to follow-up can overstate the likely effects.

    “For example, if losses to follow-up are excluded, the results of the likely effects might be overstated.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    In Schulz et al., Internet participants reported decreased pain and pain medication use, increased activity, and fewer medical consultations compared with control.

    “Compared with the control group that had no exposure to the Internet intervention, Internet participants reported a decrease in pain and use of pain medication, increase in activity, and fewer medical consultations.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Schulz et al47

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Andersson et al. had 27 nonresponders (51%) in the treatment arm; only seven showed clinically significant improvement, though most found the treatment helpful.

    “There were 27 nonresponders (51%) in the treatment group. Only seven participants reported clinically significant improvement; however, the majority found the treatment to be beneficial.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Andersson et al27

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based).

    Interpretationnone given

    The use of Internet-supported behavioral health interventions will probably grow.

    “Internet-supported interventions in delivering behavioral health interventions are likely to increase.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationreasoning

    Features of randomized trials may create barriers that lower enrollment rates.

    “The features of randomized trials (a chance of being assigned to the control group, repeated reminders to complete assessments, burdensome questionnaires) may create barriers that lower enrollment rates.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    McKay et al. reported 13% overall attrition; mean log-ins fell from 2.7 in the first two weeks to 0.5 in the final two weeks.

    “McKay et al57 reported that overall attrition was 13%, yet usage dropped from a mean of 2.7 log-ins during the first 2 weeks to 0.5 log-ins during the last 2 weeks.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites McKay et al57

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    User characteristics, environment, program content, attractiveness, and interaction influence use of Internet interventions.

    “In addition to the technical specifications of the intervention, there are other factors to consider that influence the use of the Internet or Web-based program/intervention.”
    • Also stated in: § Study Limitations · plain
      “These include characteristics of the user and the user’s environment (eg, demographic variables, disease pathology and severity, cognitive factors, attitudes and beliefs, motivations, influences of family/friends, etc), in addition to the program content”
    • Also stated in: § Study Limitations · plain
      “the overall attractiveness or quality of the Web site, and the interaction between peers or with the therapist group leader (eg, e-mail, phone, face-to-face support).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationreasoning

    How easy it is to enroll in an online study probably affects adherence.

    “The ease of enrolling in Internet studies is likely to impact adherence.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    In a study setting, incentives and telephone reminders may improve adherence.

    “On the other hand, the ability to offer incentives may increase adherence in the study setting, as may telephone reminders.23”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [23] source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The review concluded that several features-social support, fresh engaging content, cognitive skill-building theory, case manager interaction, tailored feedback, and phone support-helped reduce attrition.

    “As a result of these studies, social support, new and engaging material, a theoretical framework of cognitive skill building, interaction with a case manager, tailored feedback, and phone support were features that contributed to decreased attrition.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The features that distinguish low-attrition from high-attrition interventions are causally responsible for differences in user engagement, rather than being confounded by other study characteristics.
    • Rests on an assumption: The 10 studies at the extremes of attrition are representative enough of Internet interventions for chronic illness to identify general features that influence engagement.
  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Buhrman et al. added telephone contact to boost support, motivation, and compliance, and reported 8% attrition.

    “In addition to providing close monitoring and tailored feedback via the Internet, the intervention used telephone contact to increase support, motivation, and compliance. This study reported attrition of 8%.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Buhrman et al46

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductreasoning

    Mixing RCTs with natural-setting studies may have influenced attrition in either direction.

    “We reviewed studies that included RCTs as well as studies conducted in natural settings; this difference may have impacted user attrition in either a positive direction or a negative direction.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductreasoning

    Because finding every relevant article was hard, the review might have missed some.

    “Some limitations of our review were that it was difficult to find all relevant articles in this area, although the scope of chronic illness and health conditions was intentionally broad. As a result, we may have overlooked relevant studies.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Devineni and Blanchard reported a 38% dropout rate, yet their intervention group showed a significantly larger reduction in headache activity than symptom monitoring alone.

    “Devineni and Blanchard49 studied an Internet intervention for chronic headache and reported 38% dropout rate; however, compared with symptom monitoring alone, the intervention group reported significantly greater decrease in headache activity.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Devineni and Blanchard49

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisenone given

    A growing research base indicates that effective online interventions change behavior, reduce symptoms, and improve health.

    “There is a growing body of research to support that effective Internet interventions produce changes in participants’ behaviors that reduce symptoms and improve health.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
28 of 28
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The features that distinguish low-attrition from high-attrition interventions are causally responsible for differences in user engagement, rather than being confounded by other study characteristics.

    “Because these studies differed substantially in possible reasons for attrition (ie, studies with demanding expectations early in the study), it is difficult to determine exact causes for attrition.”
    “As a result of these studies, social support, new and engaging material, a theoretical framework of cognitive skill building, interaction with a case manager, tailored feedback, and phone support were features that contributed to decreased attrition.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The 10 studies at the extremes of attrition are representative enough of Internet interventions for chronic illness to identify general features that influence engagement.

    “We used the positive deviance approach, described previously, to select the five studies with the lowest attrition studies (those who “succeeded”) and the five studies with highest attrition (those who “failed”).”
    “Thus, our qualitative review of the manuscripts focused on 10 studies, representing the two extremes of lowest and highest attrition.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The included studies' descriptions of intervention features are accurate enough to attribute engagement differences to them.

    “Also, many of the studies did not describe the features of the Web-based intervention in detail. Thus, it was not possible to determine with certainty what features may have enhanced or hindered user engagement and impacted attrition.”
3 of 3

Claims other papers make about this one

Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?

  • Some authors have used literature review to identify retrospectively which factors are associated with success of DBCIs, but the strength of conclusions is limited by correlational nature of evidence and incomplete descriptions of interventions.

    “Some authors have used literature review to identify retrospectively which factors are associated with success of DBCIs, 6,[12][13][14] but the strength of the conclusions that can be drawn is limited by the correlational nature of the evidence and incomplete descriptions of the interventions.”
  • Increased personal relevance, an individualized approach such as tailored advice and feedback, and including clinicians are promising avenues for improving adherence.

    “Two qualitative systematic reviews investigated the influence of specific characteristics on adherence and indicated that increased personal relevance, an individualized approach (eg, involving tailored advice and feedback), and including clinicians are promising avenues [28].”

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Authors
SCHUBART, J. R., STUCKEY, H. L., GANESHAMOORTHY, A., & SCIAMANNA, C. N.
Affiliations
Pennsylvania State University (US)
Venue
CIN: Computers, Informatics, Nursing
Published
2011-02
Volume
29
Issue
2
Pages
81-92
ISSN
1538-2931 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W4319308297
Cited by
135
References
70
Citations by year
2026: 2 · 2025: 10 · 2024: 8 · 2023: 10 · 2022: 10 · 2021: 14 · 2020: 10 · 2019: 10 · 2018: 9 · 2017: 14 · 2016: 12 · 2015: 8 · 2014: 7 · 2013: 7 · 2012: 3
FWCI
0.65
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • CIN Computers Informatics Nursing (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Europe PMC (PubMed Central) (acceptedVersion)
  • PubMed Central (acceptedVersion)
Funders
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (R01HL088590)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Health Professions › General Health Professions › Mobile Health and mHealth Applications
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Applied Psychology › Digital Mental Health Interventions
  • Health Sciences › Health Professions › General Health Professions › Health Literacy and Information Accessibility
Keywords
chronic disease, user engagement, social support, decision support, personalized feedback, tailored advice, clinician engagement, positive deviance
MeSH terms
Behavior, Chronic Disease, Humans, Internet

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