A Culturally Centred AI Nutrition Coaching Intervention to Optimise Heart Health in Pacific Adults

This project will develop and validate an innovative care model using a chat-based, generative artificial intelligence AI Nutrition Coach designed by Speedback for Samoan and Tongan adults with long-term conditions. Accessible through WhatsApp, the Nutrition Coach will support food logging and provide instant advice in Gagana Samoa and Lea Faka-Tonga. Phase 1: Co-design and adaptation of the AI Nutrition Coach We will work with Samoan and Tongan community members, language experts, health professionals, and current users of the AI Nutrition Coach (powered by Speedback) to adapt the tool so it is culturally and linguistically appropriate. This phase will be completed over six-eight months. Activities will include: - Establishing an advisory group to guide the project. - The research team will conduct talanoa sessions with Samoan and Tongan adults who have used the English version of the AI Nutrition Coach. Each talanoa session (two) of up to 2 hours, scheduled one week apart in person, will be undertaken to review the prototype, - Adapting translations, cultural content, imagery, and examples. - Reviewing the adapted version with experts and community members. - Refining the tool based on feedback. - Conducting small-scale pre-testing of the adapted version. Phase 2: Testing the adapted AI Nutrition Coach A new cohort of up to 50 Samoan and Tongan adults will be invited to use the adapted AI Nutrition Coach for two weeks. During this phase: - Participants will receive in-person support from the research team to access and use the tool (baseline) - Participants will use the AI Nutrition Coach as part of their daily lives at least once per day for 5 minutes during the 2 weeks. Example activities include taking photos and recording their meals, asking the AI coach questions or advice about their meal choices. - Feedback will be collected on the tool's usability, acceptability, cultural relevance, language, and overall experience (2 weeks). Adherence will be measured using the tool database to determine logins and time spent using the tool - The research team will use participant feedback to make final improvements to the AI Nutrition Coach. The findings from both phases will be used to develop a culturally appropriate AI Nutrition Coach for Samoan and Tongan communities.