Evaluating the acceptance and usability of an app promoting weight gain prevention and healthy behaviours amongst young women with a family history of breast cancer: protocol for observational study (Preprint)

BACKGROUND Breast cancer is the most common female cancer and around 20% of cases are associated with factors such as adult weight gain, overweight and obesity, and potentially modifiable health behaviours including high alcohol intake, smoking, lack of physical activity and breastfeeding. Significant weight gain occurs between the ages of 18 and 35 years hence this age group could benefit from weight gain prevention interventions. Population studies have reported that women at increased risk of breast cancer account for a disproportionate amount of cases. Thus there is a particular need to target weight gain prevention and other health behaviour interventions to women at increased risk. With Patient and Participant Involvement from the target population we have developed an app to promote healthy behaviours amongst young women at increased risk of breast cancer. The app includes goal setting and self-monitoring of health behaviours, and provides education about breast cancer. Social/peer support and contact with the research team is provided via a separate, private, Facebook group. OBJECTIVE To assess the acceptability and usability of the app in young women at increased risk of breast cancer, and feasibility of the study procedures for a future efficacy study. METHODS Young women (n=35, age 18-35 years) at increased risk of breast cancer (>17% lifetime risk) will be recruited via two recruitment procedures: mailed invite from the local breast cancer Family History, Risk and Prevention Clinic, and advertisements on social media and websites. Participants will have access to the app and the private Facebook group for two months. They will complete questionnaires regarding their health behaviours and breast cancer risk belief at the start and end of the study, complete app rating scales in the middle and at the end of the study, and be invited to give feedback on the app during the study period. Approximately 20 participants will be interviewed at the end of study regarding their views on the app and trial procedures. RESULTS The trial is ongoing. Publication of results is anticipated in 2023. CONCLUSIONS The trial will provide evidence regarding the acceptability and usability of the newly-developed app to young women at increased risk of breast cancer. Feedback obtained will be used to improve the app. The trial will also assess the feasibility of the study procedures planned for a future efficacy study and use the results to refine the trial procedures. CLINICALTRIAL ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05460650