Men's experiences of multiple long-term conditions and/or disability in the UK Game of Stones weight management trial: a mixed-methods evaluation.

OBJECTIVES

To explore experiences, health outcomes and retention of men with multiple long-term conditions (MLTCs) and/or disability within the Game of Stones weight management randomised controlled trial (RCT).

DESIGN

Mixed-methods process evaluation within an RCT where secondary outcomes included the Weight Self-Stigma Questionnaire, EuroQol 5-Dimension 5-Level (EQ-5D-5L), EQ-5D-5L anxiety and depression subscale, Patient Health Questionnaire-4 and retention. Semistructured interviews were conducted at 12 months and analysed using the framework method.

SETTING

Conducted across three UK trial centres: Belfast, Bristol and Glasgow.

PARTICIPANTS

585 men with obesity (mean (SD) age, 50.7 (13.3) years) were randomised to one of three groups: behavioural text messages with financial incentives, texts alone or waiting-list control. Interviews were conducted with 54 participants from the two intervention groups.

RESULTS

235 (40%) participants lived with MLTCs, 181 (31%) had a single condition, 167 (29%) had no conditions and 165 (29%) had a disability. Of those with MLTCs, 99 were disabled and 93 were living in deprived areas. Participants with MLTCs and/or disability were older, fewer had a degree-level qualification and fewer were in full-time work. Retention at 12 months was higher for men with disability (76%) or no long-term conditions (75%) and lower for men with diabetes (65%). Self-reported weight stigma, well-being and quality-of-life scores improved or stayed the same for men living with MLTCs in the intervention groups; however, results for anxiety and depression screening scores were inconsistent. Participant experiences indicated complex dynamic health, social and life situations which could provide motivation to lose weight for some but not others. Hospitalisation and poor mobility, with inability to exercise, were demotivating for making changes to reach weight loss targets.

CONCLUSIONS

Men living with MLTCs and/or disability varied from very successful weight loss and improved health to not prioritising or feeling helped by the programme or disengagement due to immobility or diabetes.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: isrctn.org Identifier: ISRCTN91974895.