Clinical Research Directory

The Dawn DTx application will be used to host the MB-EAT Teen program (intervention), wherein MB-EAT Teen will be accessible as its own "journey". The manualized and audio-recorded MB-EAT Teen program will be delivered through 12 modules in the form of a "journey" in the Dawn DTx app (1 module per week, about 60-90 minutes/week). The program will contain seated and guided mindfulness practices designed to cultivate better awareness of hunger cues, sensory-specific satiety, as well as external and emotional food-related triggers through body scans, taste satiety and mindful eating practices, self-compassion meditation, and diaphragmatic breathing. The intervention will also include mindful movements. Each session will be focused on a specific theme related to promoting healthy eating behaviours and emotional regulation. Each meditation practice will be unlocked as the participant progresses through the program. Dawn DTx also incorporates goal setting and daily feedback prompts.

For phase 1, a small pilot study will be conducted to assess the usability, acceptance, and adherence to an audio-recorded mindfulness app-based MB-EAT Teen intervention. Results of the pilot will inform us as to whether any modifications are required to the app instructions, the intervention, or identify ways to increase adherence. Phase 2 will only start once any issues from phase 1 have been resolved. Participants will complete a battery of questionnaires via REDCap at baseline, 6-weeks, and 12-weeks. Participants will then receive the motivational interview to promote engagement and readiness for behaviour change. During the 12-week intervention period, participants will receive the MB-EAT Teen program through the Dawn DTx app which they will be able to access at any time as long as they have internet connection. Participants will also complete the "Keep in Balance" questionnaire every week on the app. Participants will receive regular "check-ins" each week.

Participant characteristics and demographic information will be collected at baseline. Participants will complete a battery of questionnaires via REDCap at baseline, 6-weeks, and 12-weeks. Participants will also take part in a series of task-based activities. Participants will then receive the motivational interview. Upon completion of baseline procedures, participants will be randomized and assigned to either the intervention app group or the control app group. Participants will return for follow-up visits at 6-weeks and 12-weeks which should last approximately 120 minutes each. At the end of the 12-week follow-up, a select few (n=20) participants will also be invited to take part in an optional exit interview where we will discuss and evaluate the study's strengths and weaknesses to assess barriers and facilitators for the app intervention.