UTILIZATION OF WEB‐BASED APP TO TARGET OBESOGENIC FACTORS IN RURAL KENTUCKY COUNTIES WITH HIGH RATES OF OBESITY

• Main Author: Casey, Erin M.
• Format: Others
• Published: UKnowledge 2018
• Subjects: Technology-based interventions; Rural Communities; Obesity; Physical Activity; Nutrition; Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition
• Online Access: https://uknowledge.uky.edu/foodsci_etds/60; https://uknowledge.uky.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1064&context=foodsci_etds

Due to socioeconomic disparities and geographic isolation, rural Kentucky residents bear a greater burden of poor health compared to national averages. Specifically, rural Kentucky residents are at greater risk of becoming obese and suffering from comorbidities of obesity such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease. The purpose of the present study was two-fold. First, we the barriers to nutrition and physical activity unique to rural Kentucky counties which high proportions of obese adults (< 40%) were examined and extrapolated. Second, this information was used to develop a health and wellness app tailored to rural Kentucky counties. The objective was met via a formative assessment regarding causes for obesity in three rural Kentucky counties using focus groups. From these discussions, two major themes arose: barriers to good nutrition and physical activity, and desired web‐app features. From this assessment, FitFaceoff was developed and released into the same counties. Usage and user interaction were assessed using GoogleAnalytics™ software. Analysis revealed poor user liking and unsuccessful implementation of FitFaceoff, however further qualitative research is needed to evaluate poor user reception of FitFaceoff and possible future directions.