Satisfaction and effectiveness of a digital health tool to improve health behavior counseling among adolescent and young adult cancer survivors: a randomized controlled pilot trial

Abstract Background This pilot study examined the preliminary effectiveness of the PREVENT digital intervention that supports health care teams in delivering health behavior counseling on cancer survivors’ motivation to change behavior, their physical activity and food intake behaviors, and cardiovascular health (CVH). Methods Clinicians (physicians, nurse practitioners) at three urban cancer survivorship clinics were trained to use PREVENT. Patients were randomized to the PREVENT intervention or a wait-list routine care control group. Eligibility criteria for patients included: between ages 12–39, overweight or obese, were at least 6-months post-active cancer treatment, and had sufficient English proficiency. Results Fifty-five participants were enrolled; 27 were randomized to the PREVENT intervention and 28 to wait-list routine care control. The majority of the participants (82%) identified as non-Hispanic white, with an average age of 19.8 (SD ± 5.2) years. Patients that received the PREVENT intervention had greater increases in their self-efficacy, vigorous activity and number of food recommendations met than those who received routine clinical care. Changes in willingness, knowledge, and CVH outcomes were not significant. Conclusions The PREVENT digital intervention may provide improvements in preventive behaviors among AYA cancer survivors by supporting care teams with delivering evidence-based, tailored behavior change recommendations and resources to support patient health. Trial registration This trial ( NCT04623190 ) was registered on 11/02/2022.