Web-based intervention for nutritional management in cystic fibrosis: Development, usability, and pilot trial

Objectives Usability and pilot testing of a web intervention (BeInCharge.org [BIC]) of behavior plus nutrition intervention for children with cystic fibrosis (CF) ages 4-9 years. Methods Think Aloud methodology was used with five mothers to assess usability and refine the intervention. A pilot trial was then conducted with 10 mothers of children with CF ages 4-9 years randomized to the web-based BIC or a Standard Care Control (STC). Change in weight gain for each group was compared in a pre-to-post design. Results Mothers rated the usability and clarity of BIC highly. The pilot trial showed children of mothers who received BIC had a significant change in weight pre-to-post-treatment (0.67 kg, p =. 04). Change for the STC was not significant (0.41 kg, p =. 10). Conclusions A web-based behavior plus nutrition intervention appears promising in increasing weight gain in children with CF.