scholarly journals Impact on Dietary Intake of Two Levels of Technology-Assisted Personalized Nutrition: A Randomized Trial

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (11) ◽  
pp. 3334
Author(s):  
Megan E. Rollo ◽  
Rebecca L. Haslam ◽  
Clare E. Collins

Advances in web and mobile technologies have created efficiencies relating to collection, analysis and interpretation of dietary intake data. This study compared the impact of two levels of nutrition support: (1) low personalization, comprising a web-based personalized nutrition feedback report generated using the Australian Eating Survey® (AES) food frequency questionnaire data; and (2) high personalization, involving structured video calls with a dietitian using the AES report plus dietary self-monitoring with text message feedback. Intake was measured at baseline and 12 weeks using the AES and diet quality using the Australian Recommended Food Score (ARFS). Fifty participants (aged 39.2 ± 12.5 years; Body Mass Index 26.4 ± 6.0 kg/m2; 86.0% female) completed baseline measures. Significant (p < 0.05) between-group differences in dietary changes favored the high personalization group for total ARFS (5.6 points (95% CI 1.3 to 10.0)) and ARFS sub-scales of meat (0.9 points (0.4 to 1.6)), vegetarian alternatives (0.8 points (0.1 to 1.4)), and dairy (1.3 points (0.3 to 2.3)). Additional significant changes in favor of the high personalization group occurred for proportion of energy intake derived from energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods (−7.2% (−13.8% to −0.5%)) and takeaway foods sub-group (−3.4% (−6.5% to 0.3%). Significant within-group changes were observed for 12 dietary variables in the high personalization group vs. one variable for low personalization. A higher level of personalized support combining the AES report with one-on-one dietitian video calls and dietary self-monitoring resulted in greater dietary change compared to the AES report alone. These findings suggest nutrition-related web and mobile technologies in combination with personalized dietitian delivered advice have a greater impact compared to when used alone.

Author(s):  
Robert Akinade Awoyemi

The research explores the extent to which academic libraries in Nigeria are using mobile technologies for the delivery of its information and research services, and the impact these technologies may have on the professional development needs of librarians. Using a mixed method design approach, two data sets were investigated. First, the web-based library homepages of 15 tertiary education libraries in South-west Nigeria were examined for their level of conformance to a mobile platform and second, library staff from the 15 academic libraries were surveyed for their perceptions of, and experiences in, using mobile technology both within a social context and within the workplace. This research found that while mobile technologies are in use by the majority of academic libraries to a degree, lack of resources and awareness of new innovations were identified as barriers to providing mobile services that meet users' needs and expectations.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Tracy Marie Maniapoto

<p>1.1. Research problem The objectives of this research study are to explore the extent to which Aotearoa New Zealand’s higher education libraries are using mobile technologies for the delivery of its information and research services, and the impact these technologies may have on the professional development needs of higher education library staff. 1.2. Methodology Using a mixed method design approach, two data sets were investigated. First, the web-based library homepages of 29 higher education libraries within Aotearoa New Zealand were examined for their level of conformance to a mobile platform and second, library staff from the 29 higher education libraries were surveyed for their perceptions of, and experiences in, using mobile technology both within a social context and within the workplace. 1.3. Results This research found that while mobile technologies are in use by the majority of higher education libraries to a degree, financial costs and a lack of resources were identified as barriers to providing virtual library users with mobile services that meet both their needs and expectations. In their current state, the web-based library homepages for the majority of libraries are content-heavy and do not conform well to a mobile platform. This research also found that library staff do not always feel supported in exploring professional development training around mobile technologies and are aware of the impact this may have on providing high level service desk support. In addition, findings suggest library staff are not necessarily aware of new innovations provided by their libraries. 1.4. Implications Library users are likely to experience high levels of dissatisfaction when browsing the library homepage on a mobile web browser due to latency created by content-heavy webpages. Further, mobile services should be fit for purpose to meet the needs and expectations of 21st Century learners.For library staff, consideration should be given to developing professional skills when implementing new innovations within the workplace. Communication channels for marketing new innovations should also be clear and distributed to all library staff.</p>


Author(s):  
Amy Finlay ◽  
Holly Evans ◽  
Andrew Vincent ◽  
Gary Wittert ◽  
Corneel Vandelanotte ◽  
...  

Background: Web-based computer-tailored interventions can assist prostate cancer survivors to become more physically active by providing personally relevant behaviour change support. This study aimed to explore how changing the website architecture (free choice vs. tunnelled) impacted engagement within a physical activity computer-tailored intervention targeting prostate cancer survivors. Methods: On a 2:2:1 ratio, 71 Australian prostate cancer survivors with local or locally advanced disease (mean age: 66.6 years ± 9.66) were randomised into either a free-choice (N = 27), tunnelled (N = 27) or minimal intervention control arm (N =17). The primary outcome was differences in usage of the physical activity self-monitoring and feedback modules between the two intervention arms. Differences in usage of other website components between the two intervention groups were explored as secondary outcomes. Further, secondary outcomes involving comparisons between all study groups (including the control) included usability, personal relevance, and behaviour change. Results: The average number of physical activity self-monitoring and feedback modules accessed was higher in the tunnelled arm (M 2.6 SD 1.3) compared to the free-choice arm (M 1.5 SD 1.4), p = 0.01. However, free-choice participants were significantly more likely to have engaged with the social support (p = 0.008) and habit formation (p = 0.003) ‘once-off’ modules compared to the standard tunnelled arm. There were no other between-group differences found for any other study outcomes. Conclusion: This study indicated that website architecture influences behavioural engagement. Further research is needed to examine the impact of differential usage on mechanisms of action and behaviour change.


2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Kelly ◽  
Crispin Jenkinson ◽  
David Morley

BACKGROUND The prevalence of type 2 diabetes is rising, placing increasing strain on health care services. Web-based and mobile technologies can be an important source of information and support for people with type 2 diabetes and may prove beneficial with respect to reducing complications due to mismanagement. To date, little research has been performed to gain an insight into people’s perspectives of using such technologies in their daily management. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to understand the impact of using Web-based and mobile technologies to support the management of type 2 diabetes. METHODS In-depth interviews were conducted with 15 people with type 2 diabetes to explore experiences of using Web-based and mobile technologies to manage their diabetes. Transcripts were analyzed using the framework method. RESULTS Technology supported the users to maintain individualized and tailored goals when managing their health. A total of 7 themes were identified as important to participants when using technology to support self-management: (1) information, (2) understanding individual health and personal data, (3) reaching and sustaining goals, (4) minimizing disruption to daily life, (5) reassurance, (6) communicating with health care professionals, and (7) coordinated care. CONCLUSIONS Patients need to be supported to manage their condition to improve well-being and prevent diabetes-related complications from arising. Technologies enabled the users to get an in-depth sense of how their body reacted to both lifestyle and medication factors—something that was much more difficult with the use of traditional standardized information alone. It is intended that the results of this study will inform a new questionnaire designed to assess self-management in people using Web-based and mobile technology to manage their health.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Tracy Marie Maniapoto

<p>1.1. Research problem The objectives of this research study are to explore the extent to which Aotearoa New Zealand’s higher education libraries are using mobile technologies for the delivery of its information and research services, and the impact these technologies may have on the professional development needs of higher education library staff. 1.2. Methodology Using a mixed method design approach, two data sets were investigated. First, the web-based library homepages of 29 higher education libraries within Aotearoa New Zealand were examined for their level of conformance to a mobile platform and second, library staff from the 29 higher education libraries were surveyed for their perceptions of, and experiences in, using mobile technology both within a social context and within the workplace. 1.3. Results This research found that while mobile technologies are in use by the majority of higher education libraries to a degree, financial costs and a lack of resources were identified as barriers to providing virtual library users with mobile services that meet both their needs and expectations. In their current state, the web-based library homepages for the majority of libraries are content-heavy and do not conform well to a mobile platform. This research also found that library staff do not always feel supported in exploring professional development training around mobile technologies and are aware of the impact this may have on providing high level service desk support. In addition, findings suggest library staff are not necessarily aware of new innovations provided by their libraries. 1.4. Implications Library users are likely to experience high levels of dissatisfaction when browsing the library homepage on a mobile web browser due to latency created by content-heavy webpages. Further, mobile services should be fit for purpose to meet the needs and expectations of 21st Century learners.For library staff, consideration should be given to developing professional skills when implementing new innovations within the workplace. Communication channels for marketing new innovations should also be clear and distributed to all library staff.</p>


Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (10) ◽  
pp. 3391
Author(s):  
Kentaro Murakami ◽  
Nana Shinozaki ◽  
Shizuko Masayasu ◽  
M. Barbara E. Livingstone

Given the complex and varied nature of individual characteristics influencing dietary behaviors, personalized dietary advice may be more effective than generalized “one-size-fits-all” advice. In this paper, we describe a web-based personalized nutrition system for improving the quality of overall diet in the general adult population. The development process included identification of appropriate behavior change techniques, modification of dietary assessment method (Meal-based Diet History Questionnaire; MDHQ), selection of dietary components, and a personalized dietary feedback tool. A pilot study was conducted online among 255 dietitians. Each completed the MDHQ, received his/her own dietary feedback report, and evaluated the relevance of the report based on 12 questions using a 5-point Likert scale from “totally disagree” (score 1) to “totally agree” (score 5). The mean value of overall acceptability score of dietary feedback report was 4.2. The acceptability score was, on average, higher in plausible energy reporters (compared with implausible energy reporters), participants who printed out the report (compared with those who did not), and those spending ≥ 20 min to read the report (compared with those spending < 20 min). This is the first attempt to develop a web-based personalized nutrition system in Japan, where dietitians were broadly supportive of the dietary feedback report.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca L Haslam ◽  
Kristine Pezdirc ◽  
Helen Truby ◽  
John Attia ◽  
Melinda Hutchesson ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND Web-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. OBJECTIVE This study aims to investigate the impact of 3 different levels of personalized web-based dietary feedback and support on changes in diet quality. 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 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 <i>brief</i> feedback report on diet quality. Individuals randomized to this group can use the <i>brief</i> feedback report to make positive dietary changes. Group 2 will receive the Australian Eating Survey, a web-based dietary assessment tool that generates a <i>comprehensive</i> feedback report on diet quality as well as macro- and micronutrient intake. Group 2 will use the <i>comprehensive</i> 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 <i>comprehensive</i> feedback report) in addition to a tailored 30-min video consultation with an accredited practicing dietitian who will use the <i>comprehensive</i> 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. RESULTS As of December 2019, 1277 participants have been randomized. CONCLUSIONS The 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. CLINICALTRIAL Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12618000325202; https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=374420 INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT DERR1-10.2196/15999


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Ritvo ◽  
Farah Ahmad ◽  
Christo El Morr ◽  
Meysam Pirbaglou ◽  
Rahim Moineddin

BACKGROUND University students are experiencing higher levels of distress and mental health disorder. In addressing mental health needs, web-based interventions have shown increasing promise to overcome geographic distances and high student-to-counselor ratios, with a potential for widespread implementation. The Mindfulness Virtual Community (MVC) program, a web based program, guided by mindfulness and cognitive behavioural therapy principles, is among such efforts to effectively and efficiently reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress in students. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy of an 8-week MVC program in a 2 arm randomized controlled trial (RCT) in reducing depression, anxiety, and stress (primary outcomes), and improving mindfulness (secondary outcome) in undergraduate students at a Canadian university. Guided by two prior RCTs that each demonstrated efficacy when administered during regular university operations, the current study coincided with a university-wide labor strike. Given widespread closures as a result of COVID-19, student response to online mental health programming on a disrupted campus can provide useful information for anticipating the impact of COVID-19 related disruptions METHODS In this parallel arm RCT, 154 students were randomly allocated to the 8-week MVC intervention (n= 76) or a waitlist control (WLC) condition (n= 78). The intervention included (1) educational and mindfulness video modules, (2) anonymous peer-peer discussions, and (3) anonymous, group-based, professionally guided, videoconferences. Study outcomes were evaluated at baseline and at 8-week follow-up using: Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and the Five Facets Mindfulness Questionnaire Short Form (FFMQ-SF). Generalized estimation equations with an AR(1) covariance structure were used to evaluate the impact of intervention, with outcome evaluations performed on both an intention to treat (ITT) and per protocol (PP) basis. RESULTS Participants (n= 154) were 35 males and 117 females with a mean age of 23.1 years. There were no statistically significant differences at baseline between MVC and WLC on demographics and psychological characteristics, indicating similar demographic-psychological characteristics across the MVC-WLC groups. Results under both ITT and PP approaches indicated significant between group differences for PSS (ITT: β= -2.31, P= .03; PP: β= -2.38, P= .03), but no significant between group differences in PHQ-9 (ITT: β= -0.44, P= 0.64; PP: β= -0.62, P= .053), BAI (ITT: β= -2.06, P= .31; PP: β= -2.32, P= .27), and FFMQ-SF (ITT: β= 1.33, P= .43; PP: β= 1.44, P= .41) (compared to WLC). CONCLUSIONS Under university labor strike conditions, the MVC program led to statistically significant reductions in PSS compared to WLC, but no other significant between group differences. Comparisons are made with previous study waves, undertaken during non-disrupted university conditions, where efficacy was demonstrated across depression, anxiety and mindfulness outcomes, are discussed. CLINICALTRIAL International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial Number ISRCTN92827275; https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN92827275


10.2196/15999 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. e15999 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca L Haslam ◽  
Kristine Pezdirc ◽  
Helen Truby ◽  
John Attia ◽  
Melinda Hutchesson ◽  
...  

Background Web-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. Objective This study aims to investigate the impact of 3 different levels of personalized web-based dietary feedback and support on changes in diet quality. 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 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. Results As of December 2019, 1277 participants have been randomized. Conclusions The 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 Registration Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12618000325202; https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=374420 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/15999


2013 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 82-87 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eva van Leer

Mobile tools are increasingly available to help individuals monitor their progress toward health behavior goals. Commonly known commercial products for health and fitness self-monitoring include wearable devices such as the Fitbit© and Nike + Pedometer© that work independently or in conjunction with mobile platforms (e.g., smartphones, media players) as well as web-based interfaces. These tools track and graph exercise behavior, provide motivational messages, offer health-related information, and allow users to share their accomplishments via social media. Approximately 2 million software programs or “apps” have been designed for mobile platforms (Pure Oxygen Mobile, 2013), many of which are health-related. The development of mobile health devices and applications is advancing so quickly that the Food and Drug Administration issued a Guidance statement with the purpose of defining mobile medical applications and describing a tailored approach to their regulation.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document