title: Formative research to develop a lifestyle application (app) for African American breast cancer survivors.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  There is a proliferation of lifestyle-oriented mobile technologies; however, few have targeted users. Through intervention mapping, investigators and community partners completed Steps 1-3 (needs assessment, formulation of change objectives, and selection of theory-based methods) of a process to develop a mobile cancer prevention application (app) for cancer prevention. The aim of this qualitative study was to complete Step 4 (intervention development) by eliciting input from African American (AA) breast cancer survivors (BCSs) to guide app development.
  
  
  METHODS
  Four focus group discussions (n=60) and three individual semi-structured interviews (n=36) were conducted with AA BCSs (40-72 years of age) to assess barriers and strategies for lifestyle change. All focus groups and interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed with NVivo qualitative data analysis software version 10, allowing categories, themes, and patterns to emerge.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Three categories and related themes emerged from the analysis: 1) perceptions about modifiable risk factors; 2) strategies related to adherence to cancer prevention guidelines; and 3) app components to address barriers to adherence. Participant perceptions, strategies, and recommended components guided development of the app.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  For development of a mobile cancer prevention app, these findings will assist investigators in targeting features that are usable, acceptable, and accessible for AA BCSs.
authors: Institute of Public and Preventive Health, Augusta University, Augusta, GA; Department of Family Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA.
authors: Selina A
authors: SA
authors: Smith
authors: SISTAAH Talk Breast Cancer Support Group, Mami, FL.
authors: Mary S
authors: MS
authors: Whitehead
authors: Institute of Public and Preventive Health, Augusta University, Augusta, GA.
authors: Joyce Q
authors: JQ
authors: Sheats
authors: Institute of Public and Preventive Health, Augusta University, Augusta, GA.
authors: Brittney
authors: B
authors: Fontenot
authors: Department of Community Health and Preventive Medicine, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA.
authors: Ernest
authors: E
authors: Alema-Mensah
authors: Institute of Public and Preventive Health, Augusta University, Augusta, GA.
authors: Benjamin
authors: B
authors: Ansa
keywords: Lifestyle modification; breast cancer survivors; cancer prevention guidelines; intervention mapping; smartphone app