Understanding how mobile health data can help maintain healthy behaviors after treatment
Methodological and data-driven approach to infer durable behavior change from mHealth data
This study is looking at how using mobile health apps can help people who have finished cancer treatment stick to healthy habits like eating well and staying active, so they can find out what signs show they’ve really made those changes for good.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10662475 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how mobile health (mHealth) data can be used to identify when individuals have successfully adopted sustainable health behaviors, such as diet and physical activity, after cancer treatment. By analyzing data from over 1,600 participants across multiple trials, the study aims to determine measurable criteria that indicate a lasting change in behavior. Participants will self-monitor their health behaviors digitally, and the findings could help tailor interventions to be more cost-effective and less burdensome. The goal is to find ways to taper off interventions without risking relapse into unhealthy habits.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have recently completed cancer treatment and are looking to maintain healthy lifestyle changes.
Not a fit: Patients who are not interested in making lifestyle changes or who are currently undergoing active cancer treatment may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and sustainable health behavior interventions for cancer survivors and others at risk for chronic diseases.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using digital health interventions to promote behavior change, indicating that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- Northwestern University at Chicago — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Spring, Bonnie — Northwestern University at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Spring, Bonnie
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.