Nutr Res Pract.  2017 Jun;11(3):247-256. 10.4162/nrp.2017.11.3.247.

Development of tailored nutrition information messages based on the transtheoretical model for smartphone application of an obesity prevention and management program for elementary-school students

• Lee JE
• Lee DE
• Kim K
• Shim JE
• Sung E
• Kang JH
• Hwang JY

• KMID: 2407773
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4162/nrp.2017.11.3.247

Abstract

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES
Easy access to intervention and support for certain behaviors is important for obesity prevention and management. The available technology such as smartphone applications can be used for intervention regarding healthy food choices for obesity prevention and management in elementary-school students. The transtheoretical model (TTM) is comprised of stages and processes of change and can be adopted to tailored education for behavioral change. This study aims to develop TTM-based nutrition contents for mobile applications intended to change eating behaviors related to weight gain in young children.
SUBJECTS/METHODS
A synthesized algorithm for tailored nutrition messages was developed according to the intake status of six food groups (vegetables, fruits, sugar-sweetened beverages, fast food and instant food, snacks, and late-night snacks), decision to make dietary behavioral changes, and self-confidence in dietary behavioral changes. The messages in this study were developed from December 2014 to April 2015. After the validity evaluation of the contents through expert consultation, tailored nutrition information messages and educational contents were developed based on the TTM.
RESULTS
Based on the TTM, stages of subjects are determined by their current intake status, decision to make dietary behavioral changes, and self-confidence in dietary behavioral changes. Three versions of tailored nutrition messages at each TTM stage were developed so as to not send the same messages for three weeks at most, and visual materials such as figures and tables were developed to provide additional nutritional information. Finally, 3,276 tailored nutrition messages and 60 nutrition contents for applications were developed.
CONCLUSIONS
Smartphone applications may be an innovative medium to deliver interventions for eating behavior changes directly to individuals with favorable cost-effectiveness. In addition, using the TTM for tailored nutrition education for healthy eating is an effective approach.

Keyword

Pediatric obesity; preventive health services; nutritional status; health behavior; mobile applications

MeSH Terms

Beverages
Child
Eating
Education
Fast Foods
Feeding Behavior
Fruit
Health Behavior
Humans
Mobile Applications
Nutritional Status
Obesity*
Pediatric Obesity
Preventive Health Services
Smartphone*
Snacks
Weight Gain

Figure

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  Fig. 1 A logic model for categorization of tailored nutrition messages. 1)The number of current intake status: 10 for vegetables; 7 for fruits, sugar-sweetened beverages, fast food & instant food; 4 for late-night snacks

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  Fig. 2 An example of a categorized algorithm: vegetable intake

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  Fig. 3 An example of a categorized algorithm for the first criterion: vegetable intake

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  Fig. 4 An example of a categorized algorithm for the second criterion and subject categorization: vegetable intake

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  Fig. 5 Visual materials related to tailored nutrition messages

• 

  Fig. 6 An example of the tailoring process: vegetable intake

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