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De Cock N, Vangeel J, Lachat C, Beullens K, Vervoort L, Goossens L, Maes L, Deforche B, De Henauw S, Braet C, Eggermont S, Kolsteren P, Van Camp J, Van Lippevelde W. Use of Fitness and Nutrition Apps: Associations With Body Mass Index, Snacking, and Drinking Habits in Adolescents. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2017; 5:e58. [PMID: 28442455 PMCID: PMC5424128 DOI: 10.2196/mhealth.6005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2016] [Revised: 10/19/2016] [Accepted: 01/29/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Efforts to improve snacking and drinking habits are needed to promote a healthy body mass index (BMI) in adolescents. Although commercial fitness and nutrition mobile phone apps are widely used, little is known regarding their potential to improve health behaviors, especially in adolescents. In addition, evidence on the mechanisms through which such fitness and nutrition apps influence behavior is lacking. Objectives This study assessed whether the use of commercial fitness or nutrition apps was associated with a lower BMI and healthier snacking and drinking habits in adolescents. Additionally, it explored if perceived behavioral control to eat healthy; attitudes to eat healthy for the good taste of healthy foods, for overall health or for appearance; social norm on healthy eating and social support to eat healthy mediated the associations between the frequency of use of fitness or nutrition apps and BMI, the healthy snack, and beverage ratio. Methods Cross-sectional self-reported data on snack and beverage consumption, healthy eating determinants, and fitness and nutrition app use of adolescents (N=889; mean age 14.7 years, SD 0.8; 54.8% [481/878] boys; 18.1% [145/803] overweight) were collected in a representative sample of 20 schools in Flanders, Belgium. Height and weight were measured by the researchers. The healthy snack ratio and the healthy beverage ratio were calculated as follows: gram healthy snacks or beverages/(gram healthy snacks or beverages+gram unhealthy snacks or beverages)×100. Multilevel regression and structural equation modeling were used to analyze the proposed associations and to explore multiple mediation. Results A total of 27.6% (245/889) of the adolescents used fitness, nutrition apps or both. Frequency of using nutrition apps was positively associated with a higher healthy beverage ratio (b=2.96 [1.11], P=.008) and a higher body mass index z-scores (zBMI; b=0.13 [0.05], P=.008. A significant interaction was found between the frequency of using nutrition and for the zBMI (b=−0.03 [0.02], P=.04) and the healthy snack ratio (b=−0.84 [0.37], P=.03). Attitude to eat healthy for appearance mediated both the fitness app use frequency-zBMI (a × b=0.02 [0.01], P=.02) and the nutrition app use frequency-zBMI (a × b=0.04 [0.01], P=.001) associations. No mediation was observed for the associations between the frequency of use of fitness or nutrition apps and the healthy snack or beverage ratio. Conclusions Commercial fitness and nutrition apps show some association with healthier eating behaviors and BMI in adolescents. However, effective behavior change techniques should be included to affect key determinants of healthy eating.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie De Cock
- Food Chemistry and Human Nutrition, Department of Food safety and Food quality, University of Ghent, Gent, Belgium
| | - Jolien Vangeel
- School for Mass Communication Research, Faculty of Social Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Carl Lachat
- Food Chemistry and Human Nutrition, Department of Food safety and Food quality, University of Ghent, Gent, Belgium
| | - Kathleen Beullens
- School for Mass Communication Research, Faculty of Social Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Leentje Vervoort
- Clinical Developmental Psychology, Department of Developmental, Personality and Social psychology, University of Ghent, Gent, Belgium
| | - Lien Goossens
- Clinical Developmental Psychology, Department of Developmental, Personality and Social psychology, University of Ghent, Gent, Belgium
| | - Lea Maes
- Health Promotion and Education, Departement of Public Health, University of Ghent, Gent, Belgium
| | - Benedicte Deforche
- Health Promotion and Education, Departement of Public Health, University of Ghent, Gent, Belgium.,Physical activity, Nutrition and Health, Faculty of Physical Education and Physical Therapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussel, Belgium
| | - Stefaan De Henauw
- Nutrition and Food Safety, Departement of Public Health, University of Ghent, Gent, Belgium
| | - Caroline Braet
- Clinical Developmental Psychology, Department of Developmental, Personality and Social psychology, University of Ghent, Gent, Belgium
| | - Steven Eggermont
- School for Mass Communication Research, Faculty of Social Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Patrick Kolsteren
- Food Chemistry and Human Nutrition, Department of Food safety and Food quality, University of Ghent, Gent, Belgium
| | - John Van Camp
- Food Chemistry and Human Nutrition, Department of Food safety and Food quality, University of Ghent, Gent, Belgium
| | - Wendy Van Lippevelde
- Health Promotion and Education, Departement of Public Health, University of Ghent, Gent, Belgium
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Sisson SB, Smith CL, Cheney M. Big impact on small children: child-care providers’ perceptions of their role in early childhood healthy lifestyle behaviours. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/13575279.2017.1299111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Susan B. Sisson
- Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity Laboratory, Department of Nutritional Sciences, College of Allied Health, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Chelsea L. Smith
- Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity Laboratory, Department of Nutritional Sciences, College of Allied Health, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Marshall Cheney
- Department of Health and Exercise Science, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, USA
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Gowin M, Taylor EL, Dunnington J, Alshuwaiyer G, Cheney MK. Needs of a Silent Minority: Mexican Transgender Asylum Seekers. Health Promot Pract 2017; 18:332-340. [PMID: 28187690 DOI: 10.1177/1524839917692750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Mexican male to female transgender asylum seekers in the United States suffer from serious health issues that can be attributed to stressors related to their transgender, ethnic minority, and socioeconomic status. This study explored these stressors, the resulting health issues, and the needs of this particularly vulnerable population. Asylum seekers' (n = 45) sworn declarations and psychological evaluations were examined by a multidisciplinary research team using a systematic document review process. The review identified stressors that occurred both in Mexico and the United States: verbal, physical, and sexual assaults; unstable environments; fear for safety/security; hiding undocumented status; and economic insecurity. The health issues that resulted in part from these stressors include posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, sleep issues, isolation, avoidance, drug/alcohol use, and suicidal tendencies. Despite suffering from multiple health issues, asylum seekers rarely sought health or social services. Health promotion practitioners can play an important role in serving this silent minority by (1) expanding community-based research focused on the intersection of transgender, ethnic minority, and socioeconomic status; (2) using trusted community members to connect this population to necessary resources; (3) providing communication training/resource development for health care providers; and (4) creating a network of service organizations that understand the needs of transgender asylum seekers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Gowin
- 1 University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, USA
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Lyzwinski LN, Caffery LJ, Bambling M, Edirippulige S. Consumer perspectives on mHealth for weight loss: a review of qualitative studies. J Telemed Telecare 2017; 24:290-302. [DOI: 10.1177/1357633x17692722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Introduction With increasing development and use of mobile health (mHealth) interventions for weight loss in overweight and obese populations, it is timely to gain greater insight into consumer experience with these technologies. The aims of this review were to identify common themes across studies that included user preferences for mHealth intervention for weight loss. Methods The databases PubMed (Medline), CINAHL, Web of Science, and Embase were searched for relevant qualitative studies on mHealth for weight loss. Searches were conducted in May 2016. Results Several common high preference themes were identified relating to simple and attractive apps that allowed for self-monitoring with feedback. The five key themes concerning text messages for weight loss involved a careful consideration of personalization, message tone, structure, frequency and content. Key optimization themes for weight loss apps were personalization, simplicity with appeal and engagement/entertainment. Common identified benefits of mHealth for weight loss included self-monitoring, goal setting, feedback, ability to motivate, educate, and remind. Common barriers users identified were related to technological and psychological issues as well as message overload/inappropriate timing of messages. Conclusion When planning an mHealth weight loss intervention, critical factors are the message tone, structure and the frequency of message delivery. Personalization also seems to be important. Designing simple apps while still ensuring that they engage the user is also essential. Additionally, it seems important to tailor the content in accordance with different target group demographic preferences. The successful reach and adoption of mHealth interventions requires minimizing perceived barriers and maximizing perceived benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynnette N Lyzwinski
- Centre for Online Health and Department of Psychiatry, University of Queensland, School of Medicine, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| | - Liam J Caffery
- Centre for Online Health and Department of Psychiatry, University of Queensland, School of Medicine, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| | - Matthew Bambling
- Centre for Online Health and Department of Psychiatry, University of Queensland, School of Medicine, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| | - Sisira Edirippulige
- Centre for Online Health and Department of Psychiatry, University of Queensland, School of Medicine, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
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Hayes L, Bhochhibhoya A, Cheney M, Larson D, Branscum P. An Evaluation of the Effects of Formal Nutrition Education on Online Nutrition Information Retrieval among College Students. JOURNAL OF CONSUMER HEALTH ON THE INTERNET 2016. [DOI: 10.1080/15398285.2016.1198878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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