Abstract
To explore the relationship between goal setting and fruit and vegetable (FV) consumption and physical activity (PA) in an intervention for college students. Secondary data analysis of intervention group participants from a 10-week online intervention with complete weekly data (n = 724). Outcomes (cups of FV per day and minutes of PA per week) and goals for both behaviors were reported online each week. Weekly differences between goals and behaviors were calculated, as well as the proportion meeting individual goals and meeting recommendations for behaviors. There were significant (P < .05) effects of goal setting on both behaviors and of goal group (tertile of meeting weekly goals) on behavior, as well as meeting recommendations for both behaviors. There was an increase in FV consumption (P < .001) but no change in PA over time. Goal setting as part of a Web-based intervention for college students was effective, but results differed for FV and PA. Goal setting for maintaining behavior may need to differ from goal setting for changing behavior.
Highlights
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), chronic diseases are the leading cause of death and disability in the United States, accounting for 7 out of 10 deaths each year and being among the most costly and preventable health problems [1]
Studies by Thorndike et al and Latif et al did not find goal setting to be an effective intervention [20,21]. The research in these areas is even more limited for the young adult population. Due to this lack of extensive research, there is a need for studies that take a more in-depth look at the effects of goal setting in the areas of fruit and vegetable consumption and physical activity and among young adults
Goal setting as part of a web-based intervention can be effective in increasing fruit and vegetable consumption among young adults but results were less clear for physical activity
Summary
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), chronic diseases are the leading cause of death and disability in the United States, accounting for 7 out of 10 deaths each year and being among the most costly and preventable health problems [1]. Objective: The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between goal setting and fruit and vegetable consumption as well as physical activity to explore the relationship between goal setting and behavior in a web-based intervention for young adults. The effect was seen more clearly with fruit and vegetable consumption; the difference between goal and intake decreased over time, the correlation grew stronger, and the percent of subjects meeting or exceeding goals and percent of subjects meeting recommendations increased over time. There was a significant effect of goal group on meeting recommendations for both behaviors, which was stronger for fruit and vegetable consumption. Conclusions: Goal setting as part of a web-based intervention was associated with an increase in fruit and vegetable consumption among young adults. There is a need for further research in this area, with more reliable measures of intake and activity
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