Men’s Perceptions of a Gender-Tailored eHealth Program Targeting Physical and Mental Health: Qualitative Findings from the SHED-IT Recharge Trial

Ryan J. Drew, Philip J. Morgan, Frances Kay-Lambkin, Clare E. Collins, Robin Callister, Brian J. Kelly, Vibeke Hansen and Myles D. Young
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Ryan J. Drew: School of Education, College of Human and Social Futures, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
Philip J. Morgan: School of Education, College of Human and Social Futures, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
Frances Kay-Lambkin: School of Medicine and Public Health, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
Clare E. Collins: School of Health Sciences, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
Robin Callister: School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
Brian J. Kelly: School of Medicine and Public Health, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
Vibeke Hansen: School of Health and Human Sciences, Southern Cross University, Coffs Harbour, NSW 2450, Australia
Myles D. Young: School of Psychological Sciences, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 24, 1-18

Abstract: Despite increasing rates of co-morbid depression and obesity, few interventions target both conditions simultaneously, particularly in men. The SHED-IT: Recharge trial, conducted in 125 men with depressive symptoms and overweight or obesity, tested the efficacy of a gender-tailored eHealth program with integrated mental health support. The aims of this study were to examine the perceptions of men who received the SHED-IT: Recharge intervention in relation to recruitment, satisfaction with the program, and suggestions to improve the program. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted in a random sub-sample, stratified by baseline depression and weight status ( n = 19, mean (SD) age 49.6 years (11.6), PHQ−9 score 9.0 (3.7), BMI 32.5 kg/m 2 (4.6)). Transcripts were analyzed using an inductive process by an independent qualitative researcher. Four themes emerged, namely, (i) specific circumstances determined men’s motivation to enroll, (ii) unique opportunity to implement sustained physical and mental health changes compared to previous experiences, (iii) salience of the program elements, and (iv) further opportunities that build accountability could help maintain focus. Gender-tailored, self-directed lifestyle interventions incorporating mental health support are acceptable and satisfying for men experiencing depressive symptoms. These findings provide important insights for future self-guided lifestyle interventions for men with poor physical and mental health.

Keywords: behavior change; depression; males; mental fitness; obesity; online; physical activity; process evaluation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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