A Process Evaluation of a Web-Based Mental Health Portal (WalkAlong) Using Google Analytics

Song, Michael Jae; Ward, John; Choi, Fiona; Nikoo, Mohammadali; Frank, Anastasia; Shams, Farhud; Tabi, Katarína; Vigo, Daniel; Krausz, Michael

doi:10.2196/mental.8594

Cited by 35 publications

(38 citation statements)

References 29 publications

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“…To our knowledge, few other similar studies have been conducted to provide comparative data. In a recent process evaluation of usage data from a publicly available, Web-based mental health portal for youth, 65.4% of sessions were less than one minute in duration [18]. In contrast, a Web-based intervention of interactive self-monitoring modules for women to prevent weight gain reported a median session duration of 12 minutes and 54 seconds [19].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Mobility-Focused Knowledge Translation Randomized Controlled Trial to Improve Physical Activity: Process Evaluation of the Move4Age Study

Neil-Sztramko¹,

Smith-Turchyn²,

Richardson³

et al. 2019

J Med Internet Res

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Background Maintaining physical activity and physical function is important for healthy aging. We recently completed a randomized controlled trial of a targeted knowledge translation (KT) intervention delivered through the McMaster Optimal Aging Portal with the goal to increase physical activity and physical mobility in middle-aged and older adults, with results reported elsewhere. Objective The purpose of this process evaluation study is to explore which KT strategies were used by both intervention and control group participants, as well as the intervention groups’ engagement, satisfaction, and perceived usefulness of the targeted KT intervention. Methods Data on engagement with the intervention materials were gathered quantitatively through Google Analytics and Hootsuite throughout the intervention. Qualitative data were collected through a combination of open-ended surveys and qualitative interviews with a subset of participants at the end of the study to further understand engagement, satisfaction, and usefulness of the KT strategies. Results Throughout the intervention period, engagement with content delivered through weekly emails was highest, and participants rated email content most favorably in both surveys and interviews. Participants were generally satisfied with the intervention, noting the ease of participating and the distillation of information in an easy-to-access format being beneficial features. Participants who did not find the intervention useful were those with already high levels of baseline physical activity or physical function and those who were looking for more specific or individualized content. Conclusions This process evaluation provides insight into our randomized controlled trial findings and provides information that can be used to improve future online KT interventions. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02947230; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/nct02947230 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/78t4tR8tM)

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Mobility-Focused Knowledge Translation Randomized Controlled Trial to Improve Physical Activity: Process Evaluation of the Move4Age Study

Neil-Sztramko¹,

Smith-Turchyn²,

Richardson³

et al. 2019

J Med Internet Res

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“…The breadth and depth of the data collected by GA, in addition to it being a free and easily accessible service, has led to GA becoming an accepted research tool and one of the most frequently used methods to measure website performance [Clark, Nicholas and Jamali, 2014]. GA has been successfully used to examine user behaviour [Crutzen, Roosjen and Poelman, 2013;Song et al, 2018] website effectiveness [Plaza, 2011;Turner, 2010] and web traffic [Plaza, 2009]. However, it should be noted that it does have a number of constraints.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Everyone counts? Design considerations in online citizen science

Spiers¹,

Swanson²,

Fortson³

et al. 2019

JCOM

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Effective classification of large datasets is a ubiquitous challenge across multiple knowledge domains. One solution gaining in popularity is to perform distributed data analysis via online citizen science platforms, such as the Zooniverse. The resulting growth in project numbers is increasing the need to improve understanding of the volunteer experience; as the sustainability of citizen science is dependent on our ability to design for engagement and usability. Here, we examine volunteer interaction with 63 projects, representing the most comprehensive collection of online citizen science project data gathered to date. Together, this analysis demonstrates how subtle project design changes can influence many facets of volunteer interaction, including when and how much volunteers interact, and, importantly, who participates. Our findings highlight the tension between designing for social good and broad community engagement, versus optimizing for scientific and analytical efficiency.

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“…The marketing strategy was similar with a key focus on an organic approach, but there were also paid advertisements implemented. In addition, our user-acquisition is higher compared to other health behaviour websites including one supporting people living with mental illness ( n = 24,500 users in 12-months) [ 53 ] and another focused on improving mental health of young people ( n = 3076 users in 12-months) [ 54 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Process Evaluation of the ‘No Money No Time’ Healthy Eating Website Promoted Using Social Marketing Principles. A Case Study

Ashton

Rollo

Adam

et al. 2021

IJERPH

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Background: Reaching and engaging individuals, especially young adults, in web-based prevention programs is challenging. ‘No Money No Time’ (NMNT) is a purpose built, healthy eating website with content and a social marketing strategy designed to reach and engage a young adult (18–34 year olds) target group. The aim of the current study was to conduct a process evaluation of the 12-month social marketing strategy to acquire and engage NMNT users, particularly young adults. Methods: a process evaluation framework for complex interventions was applied to investigate the implementation of the social marketing strategy component, mechanisms of impact and contextual factors. Google Analytics data for the first 12 months of operation (17 July 2019 to 17 July 2020) was evaluated. Results: in year one, 42,413 users from 150+ countries accessed NMNT, with 47.6% aged 18–34 years. The most successful channel for acquiring total users, young adults and return users was via organic search, demonstrating success of our marketing strategies that included a Search Engine Optimisation audit, a content strategy, a backlink strategy and regular promotional activities. For engagement, there was a mean of 4.46 pages viewed per session and mean session duration of 3 min, 35 s. Users clicked a ‘call-to-action’ button to commence the embedded diet quality tool in 25.1% of sessions. The most common device used to access NMNT (63.9%) was smartphone/mobile. Engagement with ‘quick, cheap and healthy recipes’ had the highest page views. Conclusions: findings can inform online nutrition programs, particularly for young adults, and can apply to other digital health programs.

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A Process Evaluation of a Web-Based Mental Health Portal (WalkAlong) Using Google Analytics

Cited by 35 publications

References 29 publications

A Mobility-Focused Knowledge Translation Randomized Controlled Trial to Improve Physical Activity: Process Evaluation of the Move4Age Study

A Mobility-Focused Knowledge Translation Randomized Controlled Trial to Improve Physical Activity: Process Evaluation of the Move4Age Study

Everyone counts? Design considerations in online citizen science

Process Evaluation of the ‘No Money No Time’ Healthy Eating Website Promoted Using Social Marketing Principles. A Case Study

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