Health Behavior Nudge Strategies for Chronic Disease Patients: the Study of Hypertension and Type 2 Diabetes

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

nudge: Nudge interventions are developed based on the scoping review and qualitative research by the research team, which involves commitment (behavioral contracts), norms (case and experience sharing), significance and framing effects (posters, health behavior identification posts), reminders, and incentives (arteriosclerosis detection). The content encompasses diet, physical activity, medication management, self-monitoring, and control of smoking and alcohol. From the viewpoint of bounded rationality in behavioral economics, and drawing on prior research that has pinpointed decision-making biases in patients' self-management behaviors, nudging strategies have been developed to assist individuals in overcoming these biases or to utilize the patterns of these biases to steer them toward making choices that are in line with their health.

Study summary

This study is conducted from the perspective of behavioral economics, where individuals often display bounded rationality in decision-making, opting for habitual choices rather than those most advantageous to themselves. Nudge strategies can utilize individuals\' cognitive and motivational shortcomings to influence behavior. Therefore, the study first examines the decision-making biases present in patients with hypertension (HP) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) regarding the maintenance of healthy behaviors based on individuals' bounded rationality; subsequently, it develops an intervention program to encourage healthy behaviors in HP and T2DM patients alongside nudge strategies; finally, it assesses the intervention effects of the program on blood pressure, blood glucose, and health behaviors in HP and T2DM patients.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Self-management behavior — Baseline, 3rd month, 6th month
  The self-management behaviors of T2DM patients were evaluated using the Diabetes Self-Care Scale (DSCS), encompasses six dimensions: dietary control, regular exercise, medication adherence, blood glucose monitoring, foot care, and management of high/low blood sugar, consisting of a total of 26 items rated on a 5-point Likert scale, with higher total scores reflecting greater levels of the behaviors. The self-management behaviors of hypertensive patients were assessed using the Chinese Self-Management Behavior Assessment Scale for Hypertensive Patients, which includes six dimensions and 33 items: exercise management, health monitoring, work and rest management, emotional management, medication management, and dietary management, all rated on a 5-point Likert scale, with a minimum score of 33 and a maximum of 165. The higher scores mean a better outcome. These scales are answered by patients according to their actual situation.

Trial sites (1)

Other trials for the same condition