Behavioral Economic Attributes of Recreation BEAR A Pilot Study Using a Cohort and Randomized Trial to Improve Cardiometabolic Health

What this Trial Is About

This research explores how behavioral risk factors like poor diet, lack of physical activity, tobacco use, and alcohol abuse influence the risk of developing heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and other cardiometabolic conditions. It evaluates how behavioral economic models, which consider the value people place on different rewards and their choices, can help understand and change these risky behaviors. The study focuses on increasing access to rewarding alternative activities, such as recreation, to reduce unhealthy behaviors that contribute to cardiometabolic risk. Participants first join an observational cohort where their cardiometabolic health is assessed using the Lifes Essential 8 scoring system, which includes behavioral and biomedical factors. Data on access to and engagement in various rewarding activities, including recreational, social, and consumable rewards, are collected through home audits and ecological momentary assessments. A subset of participants meeting specific criteria will then be randomly assigned either to continue observation or to receive the Recreation Enhancement intervention, which involves coaching and financial support to encourage participation in recreational activities to displace unhealthy behaviors over six months. Throughout the study, participants complete regular assessments including surveys and health evaluations to measure changes in behavior, health status, and demand for rewarding activities. Outcomes such as Lifes Essential 8 scores, depressive symptoms, and fruit and vegetable intake are tracked over six months. The study also examines feasibility aspects like participant adherence, recreation-related expenditures, and intervention acceptability. Total participation may last at least six months with ongoing data collection and follow-up.

Behavioral Economic Attributes of Recreation