Objectives
To evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of an e-mail-delivered program to promote nutrition and physical activity in African-American college students.
Participants
47 students (76% female, ages 18-20 y).
Methods
Students participated in a 24-week randomized controlled trial, receiving either general health information or the intervention focused on diet and physical activity.
Results
At baseline, 80.9% and 76.0% of participants reported interest in improving diet and physical activity, respectively. Participants evidenced poor nutrition behaviors and 46% were overweight or obese. At 24 weeks, most participants (70% control, 84% intervention) were “somewhat” or “very” satisfied with the program. The program was feasible to administrate, with the exception of measurement of physical activity using accelerometers.
Conclusions
An innovative e-mail-delivered program promoting positive health behaviors appears to be feasible and acceptable in African-American college students. Further research is needed to evaluate program efficacy in this population, including prevention of excess weight gain.
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