Abstract
BackgroundWeb-based health interventions may be easier to access and time efficient relative to face-to-face interventions and therefore may be the most appropriate mode to engage young adults.ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate the impact of 3 different levels of personalized web-based dietary feedback and support on changes in diet quality.MethodsThe Advice, Ideas, and Motivation for My Eating (Aim4Me) study is a 12-month assessor-blinded, parallel-group randomized controlled trial evaluating the impact of 3 levels of web-based feedback on diet quality, measured using the Australian Recommended Food Score (ARFS). Participants (N=2570) will primarily be recruited via web-based methods and randomized to 1 of 3 groups. Group 1 (control) will receive the Healthy Eating Quiz, a web-based dietary assessment tool that generates a brief feedback report on diet quality. Individuals randomized to this group can use the brief feedback report to make positive dietary changes. Group 2 will receive the Australian Eating Survey, a web-based dietary assessment tool that generates a comprehensive feedback report on diet quality as well as macro- and micronutrient intake. Group 2 will use the comprehensive feedback report to assist in making positive dietary changes. They will also have access to the Aim4Me website with resources on healthy eating and tools to set goals and self-monitor progress. Group 3 will receive the same intervention as Group 2 (ie, the comprehensive feedback report) in addition to a tailored 30-min video consultation with an accredited practicing dietitian who will use the comprehensive feedback report to assist individuals in making positive dietary changes. The self-determination theory was used as the framework for selecting appropriate website features, including goal setting and self-monitoring. The primary outcome measure is change in diet quality. The completion of questionnaires at baseline and 3, 6, and 12 months will be incentivized with a monetary prize draw.ResultsAs of December 2019, 1277 participants have been randomized.ConclusionsThe web-based delivery of nutrition interventions has the potential to improve dietary intake of young adults. However, the level of support required to improve intake is unknown.Trial RegistrationAustralian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12618000325202; https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=374420International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)DERR1-10.2196/15999
Highlights
BackgroundIn Australia, young adults are gaining weight and at a faster rate than any other adult age group [1,2], with 31.5% [3] affected by overweight or obesity
Diet quality is currently poor among young adults [8], with the high consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) and low intake of fruit and vegetables [3]
Dietary patterns differ by income status and ethnicity across regions [11], but when comparing the diet quality of lowand high-income countries, young adults still have the poorest diet across income levels [11]
Summary
In Australia, young adults (aged 18-24 years) are gaining weight and at a faster rate than any other adult age group [1,2], with 31.5% [3] affected by overweight or obesity. Diet quality is currently poor among young adults [8], with the high consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) and low intake of fruit and vegetables [3]. Similar patterns of dietary intake have been observed, with young adults having the lowest diet quality [10]. Dietary patterns differ by income status and ethnicity across regions [11], but when comparing the diet quality of lowand high-income countries, young adults still have the poorest diet across income levels [11]. Web-based health interventions may be easier to access and time efficient relative to face-to-face interventions and may be the most appropriate mode to engage young adults
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