Acceptability of two online, gender-tailored interventions for men with depression and overweight or obesity

<p dir="ltr">Background: Acceptable interventions are needed to address obesity and depression in men, which often co-occur; significantly impacting quality of life. </p><p dir="ltr">Purpose: This study aimed to undertake a process evaluation to assess the acceptability of two gender-tailored online interventions for men.</p><p dir="ltr">Methods: This was conducted as part of a randomised controlled trial where 33 men with overweight or obesity (BMI = 25-42 km/m2) and depression (PHQ-9) were randomised to receive a lifestyle intervention (SHED-IT, n = 13) or mental health intervention (Recharge, n = 11). Both interventions were self-guided and delivered online over 3 months. At post-intervention, men completed a questionnaire based on the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability. Questions were rated on a Likert scale with differences assessed via t-tests and effect sizes. Participants shared reflections in open-ended items that were analysed using content analysis.</p><p dir="ltr">Results: A total of 24 men completed the process evaluation (72.7% of sample). Overall, acceptability was high for both interventions. Small effect sizes favoured SHED-IT for Ethicality (g = -0.31) and Affective Attitude (g = -0.44), and Recharge for Intervention Coherence (Δ = 0.35) and Burden (g = 0.29). Areas for improvement in both programs related to Burden and Self-efficacy. </p><p dir="ltr">Conclusion: The findings support the acceptability of online gender-tailored programs for men targeting mental health and physical health. Further research could help to optimise men's confidence and capacity to engage in and complete the interventions.</p>