Jamie B Griffin1, Barb Struempler2, Katie Funderburk3, Sondra M Parmer3, Cecilia Tran4, Danielle D Wadsworth5. 1. Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Hospitality Management, Auburn University, Auburn, AL; Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Auburn University, Auburn, AL. Electronic address: jbg0011@auburn.edu. 2. Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Hospitality Management, Auburn University, Auburn, AL. 3. Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Auburn University, Auburn, AL. 4. Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Hospitality Management, Auburn University, Auburn, AL; Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Auburn University, Auburn, AL. 5. Exercise Adherence and Motivation Lab, School of Kinesiology, Auburn University, Auburn, AL.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate changes in dietary and physical activity behaviors and weight after implementation of a 12-week text messaging initiative (My Quest). DESIGN: The researchers conducted a 1-group, pre- to posttest study design to determine changes after implementation of a text messaging initiative developed using the tenets of the Social Cognitive Theory. SETTING: A total of 55 Alabama counties (84% rural) with high rates of poverty, overweight/obesity, and chronic diseases. PARTICIPANTS: Convenience sample of low-income, primarily overweight/obese women (n = 104). INTERVENTION: Short texts (n = 2-3/d) provided health tips, reminders, and goal-setting prompts. Weekly electronic newsletters provided tips and recipes. Participant self-monitored body weight weekly. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Outcomes included goal setting, self-efficacy, behavioral and environmental factors, self-monitoring, and body weight; data collection occurred through text message response and online surveys. ANALYSIS: Analyses were conducted using McNemar test (dichotomous data), Wilcoxon signed rank test (ordinal data), or paired t test (continuous data). RESULTS: Participants significantly (P < .05) improved dietary and physical activity behaviors and food environment; increased dietary and physical activity goal setting; and reduced body weight. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: A low-cost, text messaging initiative particularly targeting women residing in rural communities with high rates of poverty and obesity can promote weight loss and improve dietary and physical activity behaviors. Future studies may include a control group and social support component such as group text messaging.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate changes in dietary and physical activity behaviors and weight after implementation of a 12-week text messaging initiative (My Quest). DESIGN: The researchers conducted a 1-group, pre- to posttest study design to determine changes after implementation of a text messaging initiative developed using the tenets of the Social Cognitive Theory. SETTING: A total of 55 Alabama counties (84% rural) with high rates of poverty, overweight/obesity, and chronic diseases. PARTICIPANTS: Convenience sample of low-income, primarily overweight/obesewomen (n = 104). INTERVENTION: Short texts (n = 2-3/d) provided health tips, reminders, and goal-setting prompts. Weekly electronic newsletters provided tips and recipes. Participant self-monitored body weight weekly. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Outcomes included goal setting, self-efficacy, behavioral and environmental factors, self-monitoring, and body weight; data collection occurred through text message response and online surveys. ANALYSIS: Analyses were conducted using McNemar test (dichotomous data), Wilcoxon signed rank test (ordinal data), or paired t test (continuous data). RESULTS:Participants significantly (P < .05) improved dietary and physical activity behaviors and food environment; increased dietary and physical activity goal setting; and reduced body weight. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: A low-cost, text messaging initiative particularly targeting women residing in rural communities with high rates of poverty and obesity can promote weight loss and improve dietary and physical activity behaviors. Future studies may include a control group and social support component such as group text messaging.
Authors: Tanya J Benitez; Shira I Dunsiger; Dori J Pekmezi; Britta A Larsen; Andrea S Mendoza-Vasconez; Sarah E Linke; Beth C Bock; Kim M Gans; Sheri J Hartman; Bess H Marcus Journal: Contemp Clin Trials Date: 2020-07-17 Impact factor: 2.226
Authors: Sarah Stotz; Luciana E Hebert; Angela G Brega; Steven Lockhart; J Neil Henderson; Yvette Roubideaux; Kristen DeSanto; Kelly R Moore Journal: J Health Care Poor Underserved Date: 2021-05