Planning a digital intervention for adolescents with asthma (BREATHE4T): a, theory-, evidence- and Person-Based Approach to identify key behavioural issues

Stephanie Easton, Ben Ainsworth, Mike Thomas, Sue Latter, Rebecca Knibb, Amber Cook, Sam Wilding, Michael Bahrami-Hessari, Erika Kennington, Denise Gibson, Hannah Wilkins, Lucy Yardley, Graham Roberts

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To describe a transparent approach to planning a digital intervention for adolescents to self-manage their asthma using breathing retraining (BRT), based on an existing, effective adult intervention (BREATHE).

METHODS: A theory-, evidence-, and Person-Based Approach was used to maximise the effectiveness and persuasiveness of the intervention. A scoping review and semistructured interviews with target intervention users (N = 18, adolescents aged 12-17 years with asthma and parents) were carried out to explore user perspectives, barriers, and facilitators towards the intended behaviours and potential intervention features. The combined evidence was used alongside and to inform theory-based activities and enabled iterative planning of the intervention.

RESULTS: The scoping review identified themes relating to user-specific self-management issues, content, education, training needs, and features for a digital intervention. Interviews elicited potential barriers to intended behaviours such as the anticipated embarrassment of using BRT and concerns around remaining calm. Facilitators included BRT delivered by adolescents who share experiences of asthma and information for performing exercises discreetly. Relevant theoretical frameworks ensured that appropriate psychological constructs were targeted. A behavioural analysis identified six intervention functions and thirty behaviour change techniques. Logic modelling mapped the programme theory and mechanisms, which aims to improve adolescent asthma-related quality of life.

CONCLUSIONS: This study gives a transparent insight into the approach followed to plan a self-guided BRT intervention for adolescents and has led to identification of key behavioural issues, enabling relevant intervention content to be chosen. Insight has been given into adolescent perceptions of BRT, which facilitated development of the prototype intervention.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2589-2602
JournalPediatric Pulmonology
Volume57
Issue number11
Early online date6 Aug 2022
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Nov 2022

Bibliographical note

© 2022 The Authors. Pediatric Pulmonology published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Keywords

  • adolescent
  • asthma
  • breathing retraining
  • digital intervention
  • self-management

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