Impact of a Social Media Campaign on Reach, Uptake, and Engagement with a Free Web- and App-Based Physical Activity Intervention: The 10,000 Steps Australia Program.

Social media campaigns provide broad-reach and convenience for promoting freely-available health programs. However, their effectiveness and subsequent engagement of new users is unknown. This study aimed to assess the reach and new member registration rates resulting from a dedicated 10,000 Steps social media campaign (SMC) and to compare program engagement and time to non-usage attrition of new users from the SMC with other users. SMC reach (using Facebook, Instagram, and display advertisements engagement metrics), new-user numbers, engagement (usage of the website and its features), and time to non-usage attrition were assessed using generalized linear regression, binary logistic regression, and Cox proportion hazards regression models. During the SMC, Instagram and display advertisement impressions, Facebook reach and new daily registrations were significantly higher compared with six weeks and one year prior. There were no between-group differences in the average usage of most website/program features. Risk of non-usage attrition was higher among new users from the SMC than new users from one year prior. The SMC was effective in promoting awareness of the 10,000 Steps program. Further research to identify long-term engagement strategies and the most effective combination of social media platforms for promotion of, and recruitment to, health programs is warranted.

A RE-AIM Evaluation of a Workplace Physical Activity Microgrant Initiative: The 10,000 Steps Workplace Challenge.

OBJECTIVE: This study examines the reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance of the 10,000 Steps Pedometer Microgrant Scheme using the RE-AIM framework. METHODS: The study used a mixed methods pre-post design. RE-AIM indicators were examined using employee surveys and workplace reports of microgrant implementation, adoption, and maintenance. RESULTS: A total of 259 microgrants and 21,211 pedometers were awarded (reach). Significant increases in physical activity were observed (P < 0.05) (effectiveness). Many (78%) workplaces reported using at least one challenge resource (adoption). Barriers were higher (26.5%) or lower (20.5%) than anticipated participation rates (implementation). Fifty percent of workplaces would continue to promote physical activity (maintenance). CONCLUSIONS: The microgrant reached a large number of employees and workplaces, increased physical activity, and achieved good levels of adoption and implementation. Employee and workplace levels of maintenance were mixed and need to be improved.

Qualitative Exploration of the Feasibility and Acceptability of Workplace-Based Microgrants to Improve Physical Activity: The 10,000 Steps Pedometer Microgrant Scheme.

OBJECTIVE: Despite the benefits associated with workplace health programs, many organizations are unable to offer them due to financial constraints. To address this barrier, the existing 10,000 Steps program trialed the 10,000 Steps Pedometer Microgrant Scheme. This study assessed the feasibility and acceptability of the Microgrant Scheme. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews with employee representatives (n = 19) were used to explore perceptions of the Microgrant Scheme. Thematic inductive analysis was conducted. RESULTS: Three main themes emerged: 1) the need for workplace initiatives to address health promotion issues (The Need); 2) the factors associated with the application and implementation process (The Process); and 3) employee and employer benefits associated with the Microgrant Scheme (The Outcomes). CONCLUSION: These findings highlight the potential utility of a Microgrant Scheme to extend the reach and long-term sustainability of workplace health promotion activities.

A pilot study of the feasibility of an Internet-based electronic Outpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation (eOCR) program in rural primary care.

BACKGROUND: Interventions that facilitate access to cardiac rehabilitation and secondary prevention programs are in demand. METHODS: This pilot study used a mixed methods design to evaluate the feasibility of an Internet-based, electronic Outpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation (eOCR). Patients who had suffered a cardiac event and their case managers were recruited from rural primary practices. Feasibility was evaluated in terms of the number of patients enrolled and patient and case manager engagement with the eOCR website. RESULTS: Four rural general practices, 16 health professionals (cardiologists, general practitioners, nurses and allied health) and 24 patients participated in the project and 11 (46%) completed the program. Utilisation of the website during the 105 day evaluation period by participating health professionals was moderate to low (mean of 8.25 logins, range 0-28 logins). The mean login rate for patients was 16 (range 1-77 logins), mean time from first login to last (days using the website) was 51 (range 1-105 days). Each patient monitored at least five risk factors and read at least one of the secondary prevention articles. There was low utilisation of other tools such as weekly workbooks and discussion boards. CONCLUSIONS: It was important to evaluate how an eOCR website would be used within an existing healthcare setting. These results will help to guide the implementation of future internet based cardiac rehabilitation programs considering barriers such as access and appropriate target groups of participants.

Exploring the feasibility of implementing a pedometer-based physical activity program in primary school settings: a case study of 10,000 steps.

ISSUES ADDRESSED: The school environment provides an ideal setting for physical activity programs. The aim of the current research was to explore the feasibility and appropriateness of implementing program resources from an adult pedometer-based physical activity program (10,000 Steps) into the primary school environment. METHODS: 10,000 Steps resources were implemented in three primary schools as a pilot study. Qualitative evaluation of the pilot study included semi-structured interviews with teachers and focus groups with students. RESULTS: Four major themes were identified regarding implementation enablers: pedometers; curriculum inclusion; 10,000 Steps challenges and resources; and motivation and enthusiasm. CONCLUSIONS: To achieve a suitable and successful implementation, the 10,000 Steps program and resources need to be adapted for school settings so as to optimise teacher load and curriculum inclusion, and enhance adaptability or flexibility of programs and resources.

Prospective associations between intervention components and website engagement in a publicly available physical activity website: the case of 10,000 Steps Australia.

BACKGROUND: Effectiveness of and engagement with website-delivered physical activity interventions is moderate at best. Increased exposure to Internet interventions is reported to increase their effectiveness; however, there is a lack of knowledge about which specific intervention elements are able to maintain website engagement. OBJECTIVE: To prospectively study the associations of website engagement and exposure to intervention components for a publicly available physical activity website (10,000 Steps Australia). METHODS: Between June and July 2006 a total of 348 members of 10,000 Steps completed a Web-based survey to collect demographic characteristics. Website engagement was subsequently assessed over a 2-year period and included engagement data on website components; individual challenges, team challenges, and virtual walking buddies; and indicators of website engagement (average steps logged, days logging steps, and active users). RESULTS: On average participants logged steps on 169 (SD 228.25) days. Over a 2-year period this equated to an average of 1.6 logons per week. Binary logistic regression showed that individuals who participated in individual challenges were more likely to achieve an average of 10,000 steps per day (odds ratio [OR] = 2.80, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.45-5.40), log steps on a higher than average number of days (OR = 6.81, 95% CI 2.87-13.31), and remain an active user (OR = 4.36, 95% CI 2.17-8.71). Additionally, those using virtual walking buddies (OR = 5.83, 95% CI 1.27-26.80) and of older age logged steps on a higher than average number of days. No significant associations were found for team challenges. CONCLUSIONS: Overall engagement with the 10,000 Steps website was high, and the results demonstrate the relative effectiveness of interactive components to enhance website engagement. However, only exposure to the interactive individual challenge feature was positively associated with all website engagement indicators. More research is needed to examine the influence of intervention components on website engagement, as well as the relationship between website engagement and physical activity change.