The A-Framework: The Role of Access, Attributes, and Affordance in the Adoption of Distance Education Technology for Lifestyle Change

This exploratory mixed methods case study examined the use of distance education technology for lifestyle change within the context of obesity treatment and weight management. In the quantitative phase of the study, 19 adults involved in an obesity-related lifestyle change program or change process completed a questionnaire that determined their attitude toward technology adoption, access to various types of information and communication technology and level of connectivity, and the extent to which they used technologies in their daily lives. The qualitative phase consisted of semi-structured interviews with individuals who were currently or had been obese and involved in a weight management program. The participants were provided access to a website which contained a set of online tools and resources believed to assist with weight loss and lifestyle change. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to obtain each participant's perceptions of, and reactions to, the various tools and resources. The A-Framework was developed as a direct result of this study.