A theory-based online health behavior intervention for new university students: study protocol

Abstract

BackgroundToo few young people engage in behaviors that reduce the risk of morbidity and premature mortality, such as eating healthily, being physically active, drinking sensibly and not smoking. The present research developed an online intervention to target these health behaviors during the significant life transition from school to university when health beliefs and behaviors may be more open to change. This paper describes the intervention and the proposed approach to its evaluation.Methods/designPotential participants (all undergraduates about to enter the University of Sheffield) will be emailed an online questionnaire two weeks before starting university. On completion of the questionnaire, respondents will be randomly assigned to receive either an online health behavior intervention (U@Uni) or a control condition. The intervention employs three behavior change techniques (self-affirmation, theory-based messages, and implementation intentions) to target four heath behaviors (alcohol consumption, physical activity, fruit and vegetable intake, and smoking). Subsequently, all participants will be emailed follow-up questionnaires approximately one and six months after starting university. The questionnaires will assess the four targeted behaviors and associated cognitions (e.g., intentions, self-efficacy) as well as socio-demographic variables, health status, Body Mass Index (BMI), health service use and recreational drug use. A sub-sample of participants will provide a sample of hair to assess changes in biochemical markers of health behavior. A health economic evaluation of the cost effectiveness of the intervention will also be conducted.DiscussionThe findings will provide evidence on the effectiveness of online interventions as well as the potential for intervening during significant life transitions, such as the move from school to university. If successful, the intervention could be employed at other universities to promote healthy behaviors among new undergraduates.Trial registrationCurrent Controlled Trials, ISRCTN67684181.

Translating obesity: Navigating the front lines of the “war on fat”

“…We analyzed National College Health Assessment (NCHA) 2011‐2013 data collected at ASU and found that the rate at which students meet one relevant evaluative threshold—the US army criteria for joining the armed forces, which is a maximum of 32% body fat for women and 26% for men—reduces over students' time in university from 60% of ASU undergraduate freshman to 40% of undergraduate seniors. Evidence suggests that the establishment of biological‐behavior health begins in early childhood and continues through adolescence and young adulthood (Buckworth, ; Epton et al, ; Small, ). The transition to young adulthood is a less studied but key component in the health trajectory.…”

“…The transition to young adulthood is a less studied but key component in the health trajectory. Surveys like the NCHA by the American College Health Association (ACHA 2012) suggest college populations experience unique stressors related to significant biosocial‐environmental changes as they leave home, and that young adulthood is a period of transition that may well be an effective point for intervention (Anderson‐Fye and Floersch, ; Epton et al, ; Friedman, ; Gill, ; Huang et al, ; Waldron and Dieser, ). At our home institution of ASU, these transitions occur in a relatively controlled environment because most freshmen live on campus in university housing and are enrolled in campus dining plans (Small et al, ).…”

Promoting Active Transport in Older Adolescents Before They Obtain Their Driving Licence: A Matched Control Intervention Study

“…According to Epton et al [23], the Theory of Planned Behaviour provides a strong theoretical framework for developing interventions to change behavioural intentions and health behaviour. In the Theory of Planned Behaviour it is suggested that intention of an individual to perform a given behaviour is the most proximal determinant of behaviour [24].…”

Student Activity and Sport Study Ireland: Protocol for a Web-Based Survey and Environmental Audit Tool for Assessing the Impact of Multiple Factors on University Students’ Physical Activity (Preprint)

“…Early adulthood is regarded as an exploratory phase which anchors health related behaviors that often persist into later life and determine long-term health outcomes [1]. A growing number of individuals spend their early adulthood (i.e.…”