van Roessel I M A A, de Koning M J, Birk M V, Blom J, Dekker J, Feskens E J M, de Graaf J P, Lu Y, Lucassen D A, Pondaag E, Tissing W J E, van Santen H M
Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Heidelberglaan 25, 3584 CS, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center, Lundlaan 6, 3584 EA, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
Obes Pillars. 2025 May 2;15:100177. doi: 10.1016/j.obpill.2025.100177. eCollection 2025 Sep.
Children with hypothalamic dysfunction may experience hypothalamic weight gain, marked by severe hyperphagia, low energy expenditure, and reduced initiative. We developed the mobile app "HAPPYthalamus" to support these children by promoting exercise, providing distraction from hyperphagia, and rewarding healthy behavior. This study evaluated the app's usability and patient satisfaction.
This was a non-randomized, explorative intervention study. Children (8-18 years) with hypothalamic dysfunction and a suprasellar brain tumor were included. Patients were instructed to use the mobile application (app) for six months. We applied a mixed-methods design evaluating app use and satisfaction through questionnaires and semi-structured interviews.
Of 22 patients, 15 scored positive on learning to use the app. Positive effects on eating distraction were reported by 9 patients. The app was not well adapted to different age groups; some found the challenges motivating while others were indifferent to winning challenges and forgot the app due to limited variety. Overall, 64% of the children indicated the app should be part of the standard of care.
A mobile app as a lifestyle buddy for children with hypothalamic dysfunction is useable but needs improvements. Adapting to age groups and incorporating behavioral change theories, gamification, and reward systems could enhance engagement and support a healthier lifestyle.
下丘脑功能障碍的儿童可能会出现下丘脑性体重增加，表现为严重的食欲亢进、低能量消耗和主动性降低。我们开发了移动应用程序“HAPPYthalamus”，通过促进运动、分散对食欲亢进的注意力以及奖励健康行为来支持这些儿童。本研究评估了该应用程序的可用性和患者满意度。
这是一项非随机的探索性干预研究。纳入了患有下丘脑功能障碍和鞍上脑肿瘤的8至18岁儿童。患者被指导使用该移动应用程序六个月。我们采用混合方法设计，通过问卷调查和半结构化访谈来评估应用程序的使用情况和满意度。
在22名患者中，15名在学习使用该应用程序方面得分呈阳性。9名患者报告该应用程序对分散进食注意力有积极影响。该应用程序对不同年龄组的适应性不佳；一些人觉得挑战很有激励性，而另一些人对赢得挑战无动于衷，并且由于种类有限而忘记了该应用程序。总体而言，64%的儿童表示该应用程序应该成为护理标准的一部分。
移动应用程序作为下丘脑功能障碍儿童的生活方式伙伴是可用的，但需要改进。适应年龄组并纳入行为改变理论、游戏化和奖励系统可以提高参与度并支持更健康的生活方式。
