# Acceptability of a Self-Guided Lifestyle Intervention Among Young Men: Mixed Methods Analysis of Pilot Findings

## TL;DR

A self-guided lifestyle intervention for young men was found to be less acceptable due to a lack of social interaction and support.

## Contribution

The study identifies the need for increased social support and check-ins in lifestyle interventions for young men.

## Key findings

- The self-guided aspect of the intervention was not acceptable to most participants.
- Participants desired more frequent check-ins and a social component in future interventions.
- The focus on health risks and the use of a Bluetooth-enabled scale were well-received.

## Abstract

Young men are vastly underrepresented in lifestyle interventions, suggesting a need to develop appealing yet effective interventions for this population.

This study aimed to determine the acceptability of a self-guided lifestyle intervention designed specifically for young men (age: 18-35 years old).

Semistructured interviews and surveys were completed by 14 men following completion of a remotely delivered, 12-week lifestyle intervention. The intervention included 1 virtual group session, digital tools, access to self-paced web- and mobile-based content, and 12 weekly health risk text messages. We quantitatively and qualitatively examined young men’s experiences with the intervention components of a remotely delivered, self-guided lifestyle intervention targeting weight loss. Data were integrated using convergent mixed methods analysis.

Men were a mean age of 29.9 (SD 4.9) years with a mean BMI of 31.0 (SD 4.5) kg/m2. The self-guided aspect was not acceptable, and a majority preferred more check-ins. Participants expressed a desire for a social aspect in future lifestyle interventions. All men found the focus on health risks appealing. A majority of men found the study-issued, Bluetooth-enabled scale acceptable.

Acceptability of the self-guided lifestyle intervention was perceived as suboptimal by young men. The findings highlight the need to add intervention components that sustain motivation and provide additional social support for young men.

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04267263; https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04267263