Darren Cheng

Bio: Darren Cheng is an academic researcher. The author has contributed to research in topics: Context (language use). The author has an hindex of 1, co-authored 1 publications receiving 8 citations.

Wireless Physical Activity Monitor Use Among Adults Living With HIV: A Scoping Review

Abstract: Introduction:Physical activity (PA) can help promote healthy aging while addressing health-related challenges experienced with HIV infection. To determine the benefits of PA or consequences of inactivity, it is critical to ensure that we have accurate ways of measuring PA in the context of HIV infec

Do activity monitors increase physical activity in adults with overweight or obesity

Abstract: To systematically assess contemporary knowledge regarding behavioral physical activity interventions including an activity monitor (BPAI+) in adults with overweight or obesity.

Evidence-informed practical recommendations for increasing physical activity among persons living with HIV

Abstract: Author(s): Montoya, Jessica L; Jankowski, Catherine M; O'Brien, Kelly K; Webel, Allison R; Oursler, Krisann K; Henry, Brook L; Moore, David J; Erlandson, Kristine M

Multimorbidity is common to family practice: is it commonly researched?

Abstract: Family physicians often have to care for patients with several concurrent chronic conditions (multimorbidity or comorbidity). Consequently, they need to inform themselves by reading indexed publications on multimorbidity. This study aimed to assess how well the concept of multimorbidity was covered in the medical literature. Objectives were first, to quantify the literature on multimorbidity (or comorbidity) and to compare the number of publications on it with the number of publications on three common chronic conditions (asthma, hypertension, and diabetes), and ...

Evaluation of Digital Interventions for Physical Activity Promotion: Scoping Review

Abstract: Background Digital interventions are interventions supported by digital tools or technologies, such as mobile apps, wearables, or web-based software. Digital interventions in the context of public health are specifically designed to promote and improve health. Recent reviews have shown that many digital interventions target physical activity promotion; however, it is unclear how such digital interventions are evaluated. Objective We aimed to investigate evaluation strategies in the context of digital interventions for physical activity promotion using a scoping review of published reviews. We focused on the target (ie, user outcomes or tool performance), methods (ie, tool data or self-reported data), and theoretical frameworks of the evaluation strategies. Methods A protocol for this study was preregistered and published. From among 300 reviews published up to March 19, 2021 in Medline, PsycINFO, and CINAHL databases, 40 reviews (1 rapid, 9 scoping, and 30 systematic) were included in this scoping review. Two authors independently performed study selection and data coding. Consensus was reached by discussion. If applicable, data were coded quantitatively into predefined categories or qualitatively using definitions or author statements from the included reviews. Data were analyzed using either descriptive statistics, for quantitative data (relative frequencies out of all studies), or narrative synthesis focusing on common themes, for qualitative data. Results Most reviews that were included in our scoping review were published in the period from 2019 to 2021 and originated from Europe or Australia. Most primary studies cited in the reviews included adult populations in clinical or nonclinical settings, and focused on mobile apps or wearables for physical activity promotion. The evaluation target was a user outcome (efficacy, acceptability, usability, feasibility, or engagement) in 38 of the 40 reviews or tool performance in 24 of the 40 reviews. Evaluation methods relied upon objective tool data (in 35/40 reviews) or other data from self-reports or assessments (in 28/40 reviews). Evaluation frameworks based on behavior change theory, including goal setting, self-monitoring, feedback on behavior, and educational or motivational content, were mentioned in 22 out of 40 reviews. Behavior change theory was included in the development phases of digital interventions according to the findings of 20 out of 22 reviews. Conclusions The evaluation of digital interventions is a high priority according to the reviews included in this scoping review. Evaluations of digital interventions, including mobile apps or wearables for physical activity promotion, typically target user outcomes and rely upon objective tool data. Behavior change theory may provide useful guidance not only for development of digital interventions but also for the evaluation of user outcomes in the context of physical activity promotion. Future research should investigate factors that could improve the efficacy of digital interventions and the standardization of terminology and reporting in this field. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) RR2-10.2196/35332

A qualitative study of barriers to employment experienced by people living with HIV in Toronto and Ottawa.

Abstract: BACKGROUND Effective treatment has extended the life expectancy and reduced disability in people living with HIV (PLWH) However, previous research has found 45-65% of working-age PLWH were unemployed compared to 5-10% in the general public of North America and Europe We examined the barriers to gaining employment among PLWH METHODS Thirty-five in-depth interviews were conducted in person or over the phone with PLWH living in Toronto or Ottawa This included PLWH who were unemployed but actively seeking employment, as well as PLWH who had successfully gained employment through an agency that specifically supported PLWH funded by the AIDS Committee of Toronto Interviews were conducted between February 2019 and March 2020 All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis RESULTS The majority of participants were between the ages of 40-55 and identified as male Participants shared many common barriers when describing their attempts to attain or maintain employment Although varying in employment status at the time of the study, consistent barriers included experiencing HIV stigma in workplaces, challenges overcoming mental health illnesses, and difficulties in navigating social assistance and unemployment insurance programs when pursuing a return to work CONCLUSIONS PLWH face significant barriers when attempting to engage with employment opportunities Health providers and organizations can do more to support campaigns to end HIV stigma, to support individuals in pursuing employment, and to advocate for policy change that supports reentry into the workforce for PLHA