ERIC Number: EJ1030763
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2014
Pages: 8
Abstractor: As Provided
Reference Count: 34
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0744-8481
Mobile MyPlate: A Pilot Study Using Text Messaging to Provide Nutrition Education and Promote Better Dietary Choices in College Students
Brown, Onikia N.; O'Connor, Lauren E.; Savaiano, Dennis
Journal of American College Health, v62 n5 p320-327 2014
Objective: To evaluate the acceptance and effectiveness of repetitive nutrition-related text messages on college students' nutrition knowledge and fruit and vegetable consumption. Participants: One hundred fifty undergraduate (18-24 years old) non-health major students with a texting mobile phone. Methods: The intervention group received biweekly text messages of the MyPlate icon and the United States Department of Agriculture's Dietary Guidelines (DGs) for 7 weeks. The control group received the same information in a mailed brochure. A pre and post online survey assessed the students' knowledge and behavior. Results: The intervention resulted in greater MyPlate food group recognition (p < 0.05) compared with control and a trend toward improved knowledge of the DGs. In the intervention group, fruit consumption was elevated (p < 0.05) and a trend toward elevated vegetable consumption was determined. No gender differences in intervention effectiveness exist. Conclusion: Texting repeated messages appears to be an acceptable and effective way to increase nutrition knowledge and promote positive diet-related behaviors in college students.
Descriptors: Program Effectiveness, Nutrition Instruction, Computer Mediated Communication, Handheld Devices, Telecommunications, Food, Knowledge Level, Eating Habits, Undergraduate Students, Intervention, Health Promotion, Experimental Groups, Control Groups, Comparative Analysis, Gender Differences, Health Education, Statistical Analysis, Student Surveys
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 325 Chestnut Street Suite 800, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Fax: 215-625-2940; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers: Indiana

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