Evaluation of a new app for young people with early eating disorders
Research type
Research Study
Full title
An evaluation to assess and explore the impact and use of a new Body Image app (WW) for young people at the early stages of an eating disorder (ED)
IRAS ID
314226
Contact name
Nihara Krause
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
stem4
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 6 months, 31 days
Research summary
During the Covid-19 pandemic there has been a rise in the number of children and young people with eating disorders being referred to specialist mental health services for treatment. These services have found it difficult to meet this increased demand even for urgent cases, and many children and young people with early eating disorders are waiting several months to receive treatment. Recovery from this condition is often more difficult if treatment is delayed.
This study is a preliminary evaluation of a new app, called the WW app, for young people who experience early stage eating disorders. The WW app was developed by stem4 (a mental health charity for children and young people), with the help of young people, health professionals and parents. The app uses techniques from a talking therapy called, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for eating disorders to help tackle the symptoms of early eating disorders and low self-esteem.
We would like to know if the app works well and if it can help young people manage their early symptoms of eating disorders and improve their self-confidence. We will use a before and after design to see if the WW app is user friendly, and can help to reduce symptoms in young people aged between 17-25 years.
The research study will take place over a 7-week period and aims to include up to 30 young people. We will collect information using online questionnaires at three time points, followed by a brief interview online. Young people will be recruited via stem4’s networks, social media and their website.REC name
London - City & East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
22/HRA/1778
Date of REC Opinion
30 May 2022
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion