Feasibility Study of a Newly Developed Technology-Mediated Lifestyle Intervention for Overweight and Obese Young Adults

Abstract

Background: Poor eating habits and sedentary lifestyle are common among young adults and increase the risk for chronic diseases later in life. Due to the widespread use of information technology among young adults, the Rashakaty (Fitness for Me) study aimed to develop and test the feasibility of a technology-based nutrition education intervention. This would support overweight and obese university students to achieve weight loss, enhance nutrition knowledge, and increase physical activity levels. Methods: We enrolled 246 participants in a 16-week non-randomized feasibility study with two arms: Rashakaty-Basic and Rashakaty-Enhanced. The intervention was guided by social cognitive theory and was delivered via a website and mobile apps. Results: Among the 161 participants who completed the endline assessments, there was no significant difference in weight loss between the two arms. However, waist circumference decreased more (p = 0.003) in the Rashakaty -Enhanced group. Additionally, changes in knowledge related to sources of nutrients (p < 0.001) and diet–disease relationships (p = 0.006) were significantly higher among the Rashakaty-Enhanced group. Rashakaty-Enhanced participants reported increased number of days spent on moderate physical activity (p = 0.013) and minutes walked (p < 0.001). Moreover, they also reported higher scores in social support from friends to reduce fat intake (p = 0.006) and from family and friends to increase physical activity (p = 0.001). Conclusions: The results of this feasibility study can assist in the development and implementation of future technology–mediated health promotion programs in the UAE, especially for young adults.

Effects of Cell Phone Dependence on Mental Health Among College Students During the Pandemic of COVID-19: A Cross-Sectional Survey of a Medical University in Shanghai

“…In order to identify independent effects of CPD on mental health for college students, other related characteristics must be controlled. We take into account age (Xie et al, 2019b ), grade (Dou et al, 2020 ), gender (Lu et al, 2018 ), monthly allowance (Li et al, 2020 ), Faculty-Student relationship (Liang and Liu, 2021 ), substance use (Carreiro et al, 2018 ), physical exercise (Zhong and Wang, 2020 ), insomnia (Zhang et al, 2021 ), obesity (Ali et al, 2021 ), life satisfaction (Kuang-Tsan, 2017 ), and subjective wellbeing (SWB) (Ye et al, 2021 ) to confirm the salient effect of CPD and mental health.…”

Explanatory Model Based on the Type of Physical Activity, Motivational Climate and Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet of Anxiety among Physical Education Trainee Teachers

“…Similar results were found by Bonofiglio [42], stating that when a high level of physical activity is carried out, there is a tendency to improve the diet, this being due to the practice of sport at a competitive level. In contrast, very distant results were found by Malakou et al [43], with Ali et al [44] stating the need for more training in the educational environment.…”

Lifestyle Interventions for Prevention and Management of Diet-Linked Non-Communicable Diseases among Adults in Arab Countries

“…Several studies reported sociocultural barriers to a healthy lifestyle among the Arab population, particularly among women [21][22][23][24][25]. Lifestyle intervention programs should be adapted to cultural and religious practices to be effective [26]. Hence, there is a need for community-based and culturally acceptable interventions in Arab countries [26][27][28].…”

“…Lifestyle intervention programs should be adapted to cultural and religious practices to be effective [26]. Hence, there is a need for community-based and culturally acceptable interventions in Arab countries [26][27][28]. To date, only a few review-based studies have been conducted in Arab countries, focusing on interventional programs, limited to physical activity only [25,29,30] or interventions led by specific healthcare providers such as pharmacists [31], and targeting different NCDs.…”