Efficacy of technology-based personalised feedback on diet quality in young Australian adults: Results for the Advice, Ideas and Motivation for My Eating (Aim4Me) randomised controlled trial

Rebecca L. Haslam, Jennifer N. Baldwin, Kristine Pezdirc, Helen Truby, John Attia, Melinda J. Hutchesson, Tracy Burrows, Robin Callister, Leanne Hides, Billie Bonevski, Deborah A. Kerr, Sharon I. Kirkpatrick, Megan E. Rollo, Tracy A. McCaffrey, Clare E. Collins

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleResearchpeer-review

3 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Objective: Web-based dietary interventions could support healthy eating. The Advice, Ideas and Motivation for My Eating (Aim4Me) trial investigated the impact of three levels of personalised web-based dietary feedback on diet quality in young adults. Secondary aims were to investigate participant retention, engagement, and satisfaction. Design: Randomised controlled trial. Setting: Web-based intervention for young adults living in Australia. Participants: 18-24-year-olds recruited across Australia were randomised to: Group 1 (control: brief diet quality feedback), Group 2 (comprehensive feedback on nutritional adequacy + website nutrition resources), or Group 3 (30-minute dietitian consultation + Group 2 elements). Australian Recommended Food Score (ARFS) was the primary outcome. The ARFS subscales and percentage energy from nutrient-rich foods (secondary outcomes) were analysed at 3, 6 and 12 months using generalised linear mixed models. Engagement was measured with usage statistics, and satisfaction with a process evaluation questionnaire. Results: Participants (n=1005, 85% female, mean age 21.7±2.0 years) were randomised to Group 1 (n=343); Group 2 (n=325), Group 3 (n=337). Overall, 32 (3%), 88 (9%) and 141 (14%) participants were retained at 3, 6, and 12-months, respectively. Only 52 participants (15% of Group 3) completed the dietitian consultation. No significant group-by-time interactions were observed (p>0.05). The proportion of participants who visited the 13 website pages ranged from 0.6% to 75%. Half (Group 2=53%, Group 3=52%) of participants who completed the process evaluation (Group 2, n=111; Group 3, n=90) were satisfied with the program. Conclusion: Recruiting and retaining young adults in web-based dietary interventions is challenging. Future research should consider ways to optimise these interventions, including co-design methods.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1293–1305
Number of pages13
JournalPublic Health Nutrition
Volume26
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2023

Keywords

  • diet
  • eHealth
  • nutrition therapy
  • randomized controlled trial
  • young adults

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