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Alsharairi NA, Li L. Social marketing targeting healthy eating and physical activity in young adult university students: A scoping review. Heliyon 2024; 10:e31930. [PMID: 38845968 PMCID: PMC11153240 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e31930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Adult obesity has remained a key health concern globally. Theory-based social marketing interventions are considered effective for improving dietary and physical activity (PA) behaviours. However, their application in universities is not yet established. This review aimed to identify social marketing strategies targeting healthy eating and/or PA behaviours of young adult university students and outline the intervention effectiveness. Literature search, screening, and data extraction followed the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology for scoping reviews. PubMed/Medline and Scopus databases were searched for intervention and exploratory studies published between January 1, 2000, and September 20, 2023. Twelve articles were selected based on the eligibility criteria. Although different in study design, all studies reported improved healthy eating-related outcomes, while three showed improved PA-related outcomes. One study incorporated all six of the social marketing benchmarks, but the majority identified two. Most studies focused on behavioural objective, formative research, and marketing mix in their intervention design. Four studies incorporated behaviour change theories in development of the social marketing campaigns. Social marketing using social media could be a significant approach for improving healthy eating and PA in young adult university students when behavioural change theories and all social marketing benchmarks are adopted. More generalizable longer-term investigation into the effectiveness of this approach in university young adults is needed to tackle adult obesity related health issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naser A. Alsharairi
- Heart, Mind and Body Research Group, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, 4222, Australia
| | - Li Li
- School of Science, Western Sydney University, Richmond, NSW, 2753, Australia
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Prapkree L, Deringer R, Coccia C, Huffman F, Palacios C. Effect of using the snackability app on snack quality among US college students with overweight and obesity: A randomized controlled trial. JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2024:1-10. [PMID: 38652645 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2024.2337008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine if using the Snackability app improves snack intake among college students. PARTICIPANTS US college students with overweight/obesity were recruited in June 2020-April 2021. METHODS A randomized controlled trial was conducted to test the Snackability app use for 12 wk on snack scores (calculated from the app) compared to controls. We also explored the effect on diet quality (Healthy Eating Index-2015) and weight. Outcomes were compared between the intervention and the control groups at 4, 8, and 12 wk using repeated measures ANOVA. RESULTS Participants in the app group significantly increased snack score at week 4 (p < 0.001) and week 8 (p = 0.015) and increased HEI-2020 score (p < 0.001) at week 4 compared to controls. The first 4 wk had the highest app usage. No significant differences were seen in body weight. CONCLUSIONS The Snackability app can be used as a tool to help improve snack and diet quality in this group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukkamol Prapkree
- Department of Dietetics and Nutrition, Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social Work, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Rianna Deringer
- Department of Dietetics and Nutrition, Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social Work, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Catherine Coccia
- Department of Dietetics and Nutrition, Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social Work, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Fatma Huffman
- Department of Dietetics and Nutrition, Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social Work, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Cristina Palacios
- Department of Dietetics and Nutrition, Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social Work, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
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Seid A, Fufa DD, Bitew ZW. The use of internet-based smartphone apps consistently improved consumers' healthy eating behaviors: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Front Digit Health 2024; 6:1282570. [PMID: 38283582 PMCID: PMC10811159 DOI: 10.3389/fdgth.2024.1282570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Digital tools, such as mobile apps and the Internet, are being increasingly used to promote healthy eating habits. However, there has been inconsistent reporting on the effectiveness of smartphones and web-based apps in influencing dietary behaviors. Moreover, previous reviews have been limited in scope, either by focusing on a specific population group or by being outdated. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to investigate the impacts of smartphone- and web-based dietary interventions on promoting healthy eating behaviors worldwide. Methods A systematic literature search of randomized controlled trials was conducted using databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed, Global Health, Informit, Web of Science, and CINAHL (EBSCO). The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed to prepare the entire document. EndNote (version 20) was used for reference management. The risk of bias in the articles was assessed using the "Revised Cochrane Risk of Bias tool for randomized trials (RoB 2.0)" by the Cochrane Collaboration. Narrative synthesis, using text and tables, was used to present the results. The study was registered in PROSPERO under protocol number CRD42023464315. Results This review analyzed a total of 39 articles, which consisted of 25 smartphone-based apps and 14 web-based apps. The studies involved a total of 14,966 participants. Out of the 25 studies, 13 (52%) showed that offline-capable smartphone apps are successful in promoting healthier eating habits. The impact of smartphone apps on healthy adults has been inconsistently reported. However, studies have shown their effectiveness in chronically ill patients. Likewise, internet-based mobile apps, such as social media or nutrition-specific apps, have been found to effectively promote healthy eating behaviors. These findings were consistent across 14 studies, which included healthy adults, overweight or obese adults, chronically ill patients, and pregnant mothers. Conclusion Overall, the findings suggest that smartphone apps contribute to improving healthy eating behaviors. Both nutrition-specific and social media-based mobile apps consistently prove effective in promoting long-term healthy eating habits. Therefore, policymakers in the food system should consider harnessing the potential of internet-based mobile apps and social media platforms to foster sustainable healthy eating behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Awole Seid
- Department of Adult Health Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
- Center for Food Science and Nutrition, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Desta Dugassa Fufa
- Center for Food Science and Nutrition, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Haramaya Institute of Technology, Haramaya University, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia
| | - Zebenay Workneh Bitew
- Center for Food Science and Nutrition, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Saint Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Liu C, Lee WL, Teo CH, Zhang JH, Chong MC. Development and usability evaluation of a culturally adapted stroke prevention educational programme on WeChat apps. Digit Health 2024; 10:20552076241263695. [PMID: 39070894 PMCID: PMC11273577 DOI: 10.1177/20552076241263695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The persistently high incidence of stroke in many nations is suggestive of an area for further improvement on existing strategies of primary stroke prevention. Although the era of digitalisation has led to the increasing use of mobile applications (apps) in healthcare, more studies are needed to determine the efficacy of apps in producing the desired health outcomes across different nations and cultures. Objective To describe the development and evaluate the usability of a mobile app in delivering a culturally adapted stroke prevention educational programme for middle-aged adults in the Republic of China. Methods The educational programme was developed in three phases. In Phase 1, the process involved analysing requirements and designing structured modules. Phase 2 concentrated on expert consultation and technical development to deliver the educational programme. Phase 3 included a usability trial and refinement of the educational program based on trial results. Results Educational content was derived from the Chinese Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Stroke and the Dietary Guidelines for Residents. The WeChat platform was used to deliver the educational programme. Participants expressed satisfaction with the content, interface, and functions of the apps, indicating that the apps have good usability. Conclusions The development process of the Educational Programme was designed to maximise the culturally appropriate, and impact of lifestyle changes and stroke prevention. An app-based educational programme that has demonstrated good usability is a vital factor prior to deploying it in an intervention to evaluate its effects on health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cui Liu
- Department of Nursing Science, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Wan Ling Lee
- Department of Nursing Science, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Chin Hai Teo
- Department of Primary Care Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Jin Hua Zhang
- Faculty of Nursing, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang City, China
| | - Mei Chan Chong
- Department of Nursing Science, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Mallafré-Larrosa M, Papi G, Trilla A, Ritchie D. Development and Promotion of an mHealth App for Adolescents Based on the European Code Against Cancer: Retrospective Cohort Study. JMIR Cancer 2023; 9:e48040. [PMID: 38015612 DOI: 10.2196/48040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2023] [Revised: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mobile health technologies, underpinned by scientific evidence and ethical standards, exhibit considerable promise and potential in actively engaging consumers and patients while also assisting health care providers in delivering cancer prevention and care services. The WASABY mobile app was conceived as an innovative, evidence-based mobile health tool aimed at disseminating age-appropriate messages from the European Code Against Cancer (ECAC) to adolescents across Europe. OBJECTIVE This study aims to assess the outcomes of the design, development, and promotion of the WASABY app through a 3-pronged evaluation framework that encompasses data on social media promotion, app store traffic, and user engagement. METHODS The WASABY app's content, cocreated with cancer-focused civil society organizations across 6 European countries, drew upon scientific evidence from the ECAC. The app's 10 modules were designed using the health belief model and a gamification conceptual framework characterized by spaced repetition learning techniques, refined through 2 rounds of testing. To evaluate the effectiveness of the app, we conducted a retrospective cohort study using the WASABY app's user database registered from February 4 to June 30, 2021, using a 3-pronged assessment framework: social media promotion, app store traffic, and user engagement. Descriptive statistics and association analyses explored the relationship between sociodemographic variables and user performance analytics. RESULTS After extensive promotion on various social media platforms and subsequent traffic to the Apple App and Google Play stores, a sample of 748 users aged between 14 and 19 years was included in the study cohort. The selected sample exhibited a mean age of 16.08 (SD 1.28) years and was characterized by a predominant representation of female users (499/748, 66.7%). Most app users identified themselves as nonsmokers (689/748, 92.1%), reported either no or infrequent alcohol consumption (432/748, 57.8% and 250/748, 33.4%, respectively), and indicated being physically active for 1 to 5 hours per week (505/748, 67.5%). In aggregate, the app's content garnered substantial interest, as evidenced by 40.8% (305/748) of users visiting each of the 10 individual modules. Notably, sex and smoking habits emerged as predictors of app completion rates; specifically, male and smoking users demonstrated a decreased likelihood of successfully completing the app's content (odds ratio 0.878, 95% CI 0.809-0.954 and odds ratio 0.835, 95% CI 0.735-0.949, respectively). CONCLUSIONS The development and promotion of the WASABY app presents a valuable case study, illustrating the effective dissemination of evidence-based recommendations on cancer prevention within the ECAC through an innovative mobile app aimed at European adolescents. The data derived from this study provide insightful findings for the implementation of Europe's Beating Cancer Plan, particularly the creation of the EU Mobile App for Cancer Prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meritxell Mallafré-Larrosa
- Association of European Cancer Leagues, Brussels, Belgium
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ginevra Papi
- Association of European Cancer Leagues, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Antoni Trilla
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - David Ritchie
- Association of European Cancer Leagues, Brussels, Belgium
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Evaluation of Dietary Quality Based on Intelligent Ordering System and Chinese Healthy Eating Index in College Students from a Medical School in Shanghai, China. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14051012. [PMID: 35267987 PMCID: PMC8912503 DOI: 10.3390/nu14051012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
We intended to precisely evaluate the dietary quality of male and female medical college students using canteen data from the “Intelligent Ordering System” (IOS), combined with the supplemental food frequency questionnaire (SFFQ) and the Chinese Healthy Eating Index (CHEI) in Shanghai, China, to explore the potential factors influencing dietary quality. A total of 283 college students with the average age of 24.67 ± 3.21 years and Body Mass Index of 21.46 ± 3.49 kg/m2 in the medical school were enrolled in this study, and an online questionnaire investigation was conducted to collect the general information, lifestyle behavior, and SFFQ. The dietary data of the study participants from the school canteen were exported from the IOS of the Information Office of Fudan University. The CHEI consists of 17 components and the total score is 100, with a maximum score of each component of 5 or 10. We calculated each component score of the CHEI and aggregated the total score for male and female study participants. The Chi-square test and Wilcoxon rank sum test were employed in comparing the differences between the demographic characteristics and CHEI component scores of males and females. Univariate and multiple linear regression models were employed to examine the potential influencing factors of the total CHEI score. The CHEI median score was 66.65, and the component score for total grains was relatively low. Added sugars was the most overconsumed CHEI component. There were relatively serious deficiencies, based on the CHEI component scores, in fruits, soybeans, fish and seafood, and seeds and nuts in both sexes. Females had significantly higher CHEI scores than males (68.38 versus 64.31). The scores for tubers, total vegetables, dark vegetables, fruits, fish and seafood, dairy, and red meats were significantly higher in females than in males. Influencing factors including sex, education, dietary health literacy, and amount of time spent sedentarily were significantly associated with CHEI score. Our research revealed that the overall dietary quality needs to be further improved for college students at the medical school in Shanghai, China, with low intakes of total grains, fruits, soybeans, fish and seafood, and seeds and nuts, and high intakes of added sugars. Compared with males, females showed higher diet quality and conformed more strongly with the recommended Dietary Guideline for Chinese. Education, dietary health literacy, and amount of time spent sedentarily should be noted for improving the dietary quality of college students.
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Lozano-Chacon B, Suarez-Lledo V, Alvarez-Galvez J. Use and Effectiveness of Social-Media-Delivered Weight Loss Interventions among Teenagers and Young Adults: A Systematic Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18168493. [PMID: 34444239 PMCID: PMC8393626 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18168493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Obesity is a risk factor that exponentially increases morbidity and mortality in the world. Today, new health strategies are being implemented based on the use of social media but the use and effectiveness for these interventions needs to be assessed. The objective of this systematic review is to assess the impact of social-media-delivered weight loss interventions among teenagers and young adults. We searched PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, PsycINFO, and OVID to identify articles that focused on this topic. Fourteen studies were included in the final review. The commitment of the participants was found to be fundamental factor when assessing the impact of social-media-delivered weight loss interventions, but also the social context in which the interventions were carried out. Our study highlights the potential of social media platforms to address weight loss interventions among younger groups. The works evaluated showed the usefulness of social media for the adequate monitoring and control in these groups. Finally, the current variety of study designs in this field highlights the need for greater homogeneity in their methodology and applications, which is a fundamental step before these tools could be considered a suitable tool for overweight management in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blanca Lozano-Chacon
- Computational Social Science DataLab (CS2 DataLab), University Institute for Social Sustainable Development (INDESS), University of Cadiz, 11003 Cádiz, Spain; (B.L.-C.); (V.S.-L.)
| | - Victor Suarez-Lledo
- Computational Social Science DataLab (CS2 DataLab), University Institute for Social Sustainable Development (INDESS), University of Cadiz, 11003 Cádiz, Spain; (B.L.-C.); (V.S.-L.)
- Department of Biomedicine, Biotechnology, and Public Health, University of Cadiz, Avda. Ana de Viya, 52, 11009 Cádiz, Spain
| | - Javier Alvarez-Galvez
- Computational Social Science DataLab (CS2 DataLab), University Institute for Social Sustainable Development (INDESS), University of Cadiz, 11003 Cádiz, Spain; (B.L.-C.); (V.S.-L.)
- Department of Biomedicine, Biotechnology, and Public Health, University of Cadiz, Avda. Ana de Viya, 52, 11009 Cádiz, Spain
- Institute of Research and Innovation in Biomedical Research of Cadiz (INIBICA), University of Cadiz, 11405 Jerez de la Frontera, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-956-019-080
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Lemke M, Schifferstein HNJ. The use of ICT devices as part of the solo eating experience. Appetite 2021; 165:105297. [PMID: 33989698 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2021.105297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
An increasing number of people tend to eat alone due to social changes and an altered attitude towards cooking and eating practices. Anecdotal reports indicate that solo diners tend to use information and communication technology devices, for example, the smartphone, as part of the eating experience. While lab studies suggest that the devices contribute to an increased high-calorie food intake and decreased feeling of satiety, these studies disregard the everyday experience and motivation of solo diners. We conducted an exploratory study to investigate how solo diners use digital devices as part of their daily eating experience. Semi-structured interviews with solo diners (N = 12) were analyzed using thematic analysis in an inductive approach leading to six themes. The themes focus on (1) the perception of a meal; (2) the experience of a solo diner; (3) the purpose of using an information and communication technology device; (4) the perceived influence of the devices; (5) factors decreasing and increasing the use; (6) and the potential to promote healthier food consumption. Our results indicate that the use of digital devices while eating alone can lead to distraction, being unaware of the food texture and the amount that is eaten. The devices can also induce a positive influence by providing entertainment and mitigating negative emotions like loneliness and boredom. The devices have the potential to contribute to healthy eating practices by providing education and by influencing the speed of eating through elements of sound. Although the use of devices might negatively affect eating behavior, their ubiquitous presence also offers the opportunity to reach specific, vulnerable populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mailin Lemke
- Department of Human Centered Design, Delft University of Technology, Landbergstraat 15, 2628 CE Delft, the Netherlands.
| | - Hendrik N J Schifferstein
- Department of Human Centered Design, Delft University of Technology, Landbergstraat 15, 2628 CE Delft, the Netherlands
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The role of social media in the process of shaping the “body cult” among young women. CURRENT PROBLEMS OF PSYCHIATRY 2020. [DOI: 10.2478/cpp-2020-0002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction: The purpose of this article is to analyse the phenomenon of “body cult” as well as psychological and social factors conditioning its occurrence among young women. Particular attention was paid to the role of social media and an attempt was made to indicate possible preventive measures to promote health-popularising behaviour towards the body among high school students.
Materials and methods: On the basis of the review of the available literature, developmental conditions of the adolescence period and research results on the subject were presented.
Results: The paper presents the role of social media in the context of shaping behaviours related to “body cult”.
Conclusions: The content presented on blogs and social networks put pressure on young women to cultivate the physical characteristics of a person. In this perspective, excessive focus on striving for the perfect figure can lead to the development of anti-health behaviour. Further research is definitely needed.
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