Lifestyle Modification for Weight Reduction With Peer Support Among Adults in an Urban Slum of Karachi, Pakistan

Not Applicable

Completed

• Conditions: Weight Loss
• Interventions: Behavioral: Peer-supported, WhatsApp-assisted lifestyle modification intervention

• Registration Number: NCT05928338
• Lead Sponsor: Aga Khan University

Brief Summary

The feasibility study was conducted using a mixed-methods single group, pre and post-test design (Quasi experiment) approach. The investigator assessed if a weight reduction program using WhatsApp and peer support would work well enough to conduct a larger study. The investigator conducted the study in an urban slum (Azam Basti) in Karachi, Pakistan and enrolled 50 participants, along with participant nominated peers from the same family. Initial eligibility was assessed over the phone. Those who met the initial eligibility were visited to assess eligibility in terms of BMI (23 kg/m2 and above). Height was measured in centimeters (cm) and weight in kilograms (kgs) using a digital weighing scale. Both values were entered into the web-based calculator to calculate BMI. Participants with a BMI of 23 kg/m2 and above were enrolled and written informed consent was obtained. The participants then nominated one peer from the family. Peer eligibility was assessed and written informed consent was obtained. Once the participants and peers were enrolled in the study, the baseline assessments were completed. During the baseline assessments, participants were interviewed for sociodemographic and health-related information, 24-hour dietary recall, and Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ). Peers were also interviewed for sociodemographic information. After the baseline assessment, the participants and peers received lifestyle modification education through WhatsApp voice calls for three days and then once monthly for one year delivered by a trained nutritionist. The intervention was delivered mostly in groups. The peer-supported lifestyle modification intervention was developed with the aim of helping participants adopt healthier lifestyles by making dietary changes, increasing physical activity, and achieving a weight loss goal of 5% of their initial body weight. Additionally, the intervention aimed to prevent weight gain among participants. The participants were followed-up for one year. Participants weight (kg), diet through 24-hour dietary recall, and physical activity through Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) were assessed every month. Social support questionnaire was also asked from participants at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. The investigator also conducted in-depth interviews at the end of the study with study participants and peers to understand the barriers, facilitators, and experiences of the lifestyle modification intervention program.

Detailed Description

Not available

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2020-07-15
• Primary Completion: 2021-09-30
• Study Completion: 2021-09-30
• Status Verified: 2023-06
• Study First Submitted: 2023-06-14
• Study First Submitted QC: 2023-06-23
• Last Update Submitted: 2023-06-23
• Study First Posted: 2023-07-03
• Last Update Posted: 2023-07-03

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 50

Inclusion Criteria

Not provided

Exclusion Criteria

Not provided

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: SINGLE_GROUP

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Peer-supported, WhatsApp assisted lifestyle modification intervention	Peer-supported, WhatsApp-assisted lifestyle modification intervention	Study participants with BMI 23 kg/m2 and above was provided with a lifestyle modification intervention supported by peers for modifying their diet and increase physical activity to reduce weight

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Change in mean calorie intake (kcal/day) from food using 24-hour dietary recall	one year	Trends of change in mean calorie intake (kcal/day) from food using 24-hour dietary recall was evaluated throughout the study
Barriers, facilitators, acceptability, and experience of participants and peers to lifestyle modification intervention through in-depth interviews	one year	In-depth interviews were conducted at the end of the study to explore barriers, facilitators, acceptability, and experience of participants and peers about lifestyle modification intervention for weight reduction
Number of participants screened, recruited, retained, and responded to monthly interviews	one year	The feasibility of the study was evaluated by reporting number of participants screened, recruited, retained, and responded to monthly interviews
Change in mean calorie expenditure (kcal/day) through physical activity using Global Physical Activity questionnaire (GPAQ)	one year	Trends of change in mean calorie expenditure (kcal/day) through physical activity using Global Physical Activity questionnaire (GPAQ) was evaluated throughout the study
Change in mean weight in kilograms	one year	Trends of change in mean weight in kilograms was evaluated throughout the study

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Sabahat Naz; 🇵🇰 Karachi, Pakistan