JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Web-based health interventions may be easier to access and time efficient relative to face-to-face interventions and the most appropriate mode to engage young adults.

Objective:

To investigate the impact on diet quality using three different levels of personalized web-based dietary feedback and support.

Methods:

The Advice, Ideas and Motivation for My Eating (Aim4Me) study is a 12-month assessor-blinded, parallel group, randomized controlled trial evaluating the impact of three 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 one of three groups. Group 1 (Control) receives 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 assist with making positive dietary changes. Group 2 receives the Australian Eating Survey, a web-based dietary assessment tool that generates a comprehensive feedback report on diet quality, macro- and micronutrient intake. Group 2 will use the comprehensive feedback report to assist with making positive dietary changes. They also have access to the Aim4Me website with resources on healthy eating and tools to set goals and self-monitor progress. Group 3 receive the same intervention as Group 2 but in addition receive a tailored 30-minute video consultation with an accredited practising dietitian who will use the comprehensive feedback report to assist individuals with making positive dietary changes. 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. Completion of questionnaires at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months is incentivized with a monetary prize draw.

Results:

Data collection commenced in February 2018 and is ongoing. As of August 2019, 1015 participants have been randomised.

Conclusions:

Web-based delivery of nutrition interventions has the potential to improve dietary intakes of young adults. However, the level of support required to improve intakes is unknown. Clinical Trial: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN #12618000325202