-
1.
Outcomes of a Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial of the SoMe Social Media Literacy Program for Improving Body Image-Related Outcomes in Adolescent Boys and Girls.
Gordon, CS, Jarman, HK, Rodgers, RF, McLean, SA, Slater, A, Fuller-Tyszkiewicz, M, Paxton, SJ
Nutrients. 2021;(11)
Abstract
Although the negative effect of social media use among youth on body image and eating concerns has been established, few classroom-based resources that can decrease these effects through targeting social media literacy skills have been developed. This study aimed to test the efficacy of SoMe, a social media literacy body image, dieting, and wellbeing program for adolescents, through a cluster randomized controlled trial. Participants (n = 892; Mage = 12.77, SD = 0.74; range 11-15; 49.5% male) were randomized by school (n = 8) to receive either weekly SoMe (n = 483) or control sessions (lessons as usual; n = 409) over 4 weeks in their classroom. Participants completed surveys at four timepoints (baseline, 1-week post-intervention, and 6- and 12-month follow-up) assessing body dissatisfaction, dietary restraint, strategies to increase muscles (primary outcomes), self-esteem and depressive symptoms (secondary outcomes), and internalization of appearance ideals and appearance comparison (exploratory outcomes). Modest positive intervention effects were found in dietary restraint and depressive symptoms at 6-month follow-up in girls but few positive effects emerged for boys. The findings provide only preliminary support for a social media literacy intervention, but suggest the usefulness of both identifying those who benefit most from a universally delivered intervention and the need to refine the intervention to maximize intervention effects.
-
2.
Correlation Between Lactic Acid Bacteria Beverage Intake and Stress Resilience.
Kato, Y, Shimomura, Y, Takada, Y, Furuyashiki, T
The Kobe journal of medical sciences. 2021;(1):E1-E6
Abstract
We investigated the effect of lactic acid bacteria-containing beverage intake on the level of resilience against stress in male university students. Forty male university students were recruited into the study and randomly assigned into two groups. They were instructed to consume lactic acid bacteria-containing beverage or water twice a day for 28 days. The level of stress resilience, stress reaction, and anxiety were evaluated by a series of questionnaires conducted at three time points (T1: day 0, T2: day 14, and T3: day 28). The stress response was also assessed by measuring their salivary amylase levels. The variance analysis of each group showed a significant increase in stress resilience at T3 compared with T1 in the group of participants who consumed the lactic acid bacteria-containing beverage. Our results suggest that lactic acid bacteria-containing beverage intake could affect resilience against stress positively.
-
3.
Three-Year Follow-Up of the POIBA Intervention on Childhood Obesity: A Quasi-Experimental Study.
Sánchez-Martínez, F, Brugueras, S, Serral, G, Valmayor, S, Juárez, O, López, MJ, Ariza, C, Group, OBOTPPE
Nutrients. 2021;(2)
Abstract
Childhood obesity has increased worldwide over the past four decades. This quasi-experimental study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a multicomponent and multilevel school-based intervention (POIBA) at 3 years of follow-up. The nutrition intervention focused on food groups, food pyramid, nutrients, portions, and balanced menus. In total, 3624 children participated in the study. Anthropometric measurements and information on food frequency and behavior, physical activity, and daily screen use were collected in the intervention (IG) and comparison group (CG). Positive unadjusted changes toward adherence to recommendations were found for water, meat, sweets, and fried potato consumption, proper breakfast, not having dinner in front of the TV, out-of-school physical activity, and daily screen use. Three scores were used to calculate the proportion of children making more than one change to improve healthy habits regarding physical activity (global Activity score), nutrition (global Nutrition score), and both (global score). Students exposed to the intervention had a significantly better global Activity score (16.2% IG vs. 11.9% CG; p = 0.012) and Global score (63.9% IG vs. 58.5% CG; p = 0.025). Intervention effects on obesity incidence at 3-year follow-up lost significance but maintained the positive trend. In conclusion, school-based interventions including a family component could be useful to address the childhood obesity problem.
-
4.
Education Research: Online Alzheimer education for high school and college students: A randomized controlled trial.
Saif, N, Niotis, K, Dominguez, M, Hodes, JF, Woodbury, M, Amini, Y, Sadek, G, Scheyer, O, Caesar, E, Hristov, H, et al
Neurology. 2020;(16):e2305-e2313
-
-
Free full text
-
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Alzheimer disease (AD) risk factors are present throughout the lifespan. This randomized controlled trial evaluated the effectiveness of various online education strategies concerning AD risk reduction and brain health in younger populations. METHOD High school and college students were recruited via social media (Facebook and Instagram) to join AlzU.org, an evidence-based education portal, and were randomized to 1 of 4 courses: highly interactive webinar lessons narrated by actor Seth Rogen (celebrity webinar) or a physician (doctor webinar), minimally interactive video lessons with Seth Rogen (celebrity video), or minimally interactive video lessons (control). Surveys were administered at baseline and postcourse. The primary outcome was change in knowledge of AD risk reduction assessed by pre vs post lesson quiz scores. Secondary outcomes included change in awareness of AD research, hopefulness about AD, interest in pursuing health care, willingness to volunteer, and likelihood of recommending AlzU.org. RESULT A total of 721 participants joined. A total of 281 (38.9%) completed the course. Among college students, quiz score improvements were greater in celebrity webinar and celebrity video vs doctor webinar and control. Among high school students, no differences were found in quiz scores. In both groups, celebrity webinar, celebrity video, and doctor webinar resulted in greater improvements in awareness that nutrition and exercise may reduce AD risk vs controls. Among college students, celebrity webinar and celebrity video group participants felt more hopeful about the future of AD and more likely to recommend AlzU.org vs doctor webinar and control participants. Among college students, celebrity webinar, celebrity video, and doctor webinar participants were more willing to volunteer for AD causes and pursue health care careers vs controls. CONCLUSION Online education involving a celebrity may be an effective strategy for educating college students about AD risk reduction strategies. Further studies are warranted in high school students.
-
5.
Promoting a Healthy Lifestyle through Mindfulness in University Students: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Soriano-Ayala, E, Amutio, A, Franco, C, Mañas, I
Nutrients. 2020;(8)
Abstract
The present study explored the effects of a second-generation mindfulness-based intervention known as flow meditation (Meditación-Fluir) in the improvement of healthy life behaviors. A sample of university students (n = 51) in Spain were randomly assigned to a seven-week mindfulness treatment or a waiting list control group. Results showed that compared to the control group, individuals in the mindfulness group demonstrated significant improvements across all outcome measures including healthy eating habits (balanced diet, intake rate, snacking between meals, decrease in consumption by negative emotional states, increased consumption by negative emotional states, amount of consumption, meal times, consumption of low-fat products), tobacco, alcohol, and cannabis consumption, and resting habits. There were differences between males and females in some of these variables and a better effect of the treatment was evident in the females of the experimental group when compared to the males. The flow meditation program shows promise for fostering a healthy lifestyle, thus decreasing behaviors related to maladaptive eating, tobacco, alcohol, and cannabis consumption as well as negative rest habits in university students. This mindfulness program could significantly contribute to the treatment of eating disorders and addictions, wherein negative emotional states and impulsivity are central features of the condition.
-
6.
The Influence of Fluid Intake Behavior on Cognition and Mood among College Students in Baoding, China.
He, H, Zhang, JF, Zhang, N, Du, S, Liu, S, Ma, G
Annals of nutrition & metabolism. 2020;:63-64
-
-
Free full text
-
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Water is a critical nutrient, and it is important for the maintenance of the physiological function of the human body [1-3]. In addition to fluid amounts, fluid intake frequency is also important for hydration status [4, 5]. At present, only few guidelines mention fluid intake behavior that recommend drinking water frequently while in small quantities, however, there is no scientific evidence to support it. Therefore, it is necessary to explore the appropriate fluid intake behavior. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study is to evaluate the influence of different fluid intake behavior on cognition and mood, to provide scientific basis for proposing the appropriate fluid intake behavior. METHODS A double-blinded randomized controlled trial was designed and implemented among college students aged 18-23 years in Baoding, China. Subjects were randomly assigned into each of 3 groups using a random number generated by computer software: the subjects consuming plain water 200 mL/2 h, that is, 1,600 mL during whole day (group 1), 100 mL/2 h, that is, 800 mL during whole day (group 2), and 110 mL/1 h, that is, 1,650 mL during whole day (group 3), respectively. Subjects were asked to fast from 11:00 p.m., without consuming any foods or drinks the day before the intervention. From 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. of the first study day, subjects consumed water according to the instructions and repeated it from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. of the second study day. Cognition, mood, and urine osmolality were collected twice at 10:00 a.m. (time 1) and 4:00 p.m. (time 2) of the second study day (shown in Fig. 1). RESULTS A total of 92 subjects (46 males, 46 females) completed this study. It was found that the increasing fluid intake amounts lead to an increase in urine output and a decrease in urine osmolality (p < 0.05). Use the mixed models to compare measurements for groups 1 and 2, which showed that when compared with those drinking 800 mL per day, people who drank 1,600 mL per day scored higher in vigor (11.8 vs. 9.1, p < 0.05) and portrait memory test (22.6 vs. 20.8, p < 0.05) but lower in total mood disturbance (90.8 vs. 97.8, p < 0.05). By comparing groups 1 and 3, the results indicated that compared with drinking 8 times per day, people who drank 15 times per day scored lower in portrait memory test (21.8 vs. 22.6, p < 0.05) and hunger (3.3 vs. 3.6, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Reasonable fluid intake behavior may be beneficial to improve the cognition and mood of college students. The fluid intake behavior, which is consuming water 200 mL each time and 8 times per day, is recommended. More studies are needed to advise people to have health-beneficial fluid intake behavior.
-
7.
A quasi-cluster randomized controlled trial of a classroom-based mental health literacy educational intervention to promote knowledge and help-seeking/helping behavior in adolescents.
Yamaguchi, S, Ojio, Y, Foo, JC, Michigami, E, Usami, S, Fuyama, T, Onuma, K, Oshima, N, Ando, S, Togo, F, et al
Journal of adolescence. 2020;:58-66
Abstract
INTRODUCTION School-based education is a potentially effective approach for improving mental health literacy (MHL) in adolescents. This study evaluated the effects of the "Short MHL Program (SMHLP)", a brief (50 min), school teacher-led program, on MHL in adolescents in a quasi-cluster randomized controlled trial. METHODS A total of 975 high school first graders (age 15-16) in Japan were allocated to classes such that gender and academic achievement ratios were almost equivalent at the time of admission to the high school. They were assigned at the class level to the SMHLP (n = 364 from 10 classes) or a control group (n = 611 from 17 classes). The program consisted of a 50-minute session and was delivered by a school teacher. The students completed a self-report questionnaire at 3 time points: pre-, (immediately) post- and 2-month follow-up. Outcomes included "Knowledge about mental health/illnesses", "Recognition of the necessity to seek help", "Intention to seek help", and "Intention of helping peers". Mixed effects modeling was employed for analyses. RESULTS Scores of all outcomes were significantly improved in the intervention group compared to the control group post-intervention (p < .001). These improvements were maintained at 2-months follow-up for all outcomes (p < .001-.05). Questionnaire scores did not differ between groups at baseline. CONCLUSIONS The effect of the SMHLP was confirmed in grade 10 students. Brief, yet effective programs can be a viable option to promote understanding of mental health problems and have the potential to be incorporated into regular school curriculum. ".
-
8.
Implementing School-Based Policies to Prevent Obesity: Cluster Randomized Trial.
Ickovics, JR, Duffany, KO, Shebl, FM, Peters, SM, Read, MA, Gilstad-Hayden, KR, Schwartz, MB
American journal of preventive medicine. 2019;(1):e1-e11
-
-
Free full text
-
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Healthier school environments can benefit students, and school wellness policies may result in meaningful enhancements. Schools participating in federal child nutrition programs must implement wellness policies as mandated by law. The primary study objective is to assess effectiveness of implementing school-based nutrition and physical activity policies on student BMI trajectories. STUDY DESIGN Cluster randomized trial using 2 × 2 factorial design. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS Twelve randomly selected schools in an urban district. Students were followed for 3 years through middle school, fifth to eighth grades (2011-2015, n=595 students, 92.3% participation, 85.2% retention). INTERVENTION Specific to randomized condition, support was provided for implementation of nutrition policies (e.g., alternatives to food-based rewards/celebrations) and physical activity policies (e.g., opportunities for physical activity during/after school). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Sex-/age-adjusted BMI percentile and BMI z-score; behavioral indicators. Data collected via standardized protocols. RESULTS Analyses followed intention-to-treat principles, with planned secondary analyses (conducted 2016-2018). Students at schools randomized to receive support for nutrition policy implementation had healthier BMI trajectories over time (F=3.20, p=0.02), with a greater magnitude over time and cumulatively significant effects 3 years post-intervention (β=-2.40, p=0.04). Overall, students at schools randomized to receive the nutrition intervention had an increase in BMI percentile of <1%, compared with students in other conditions, whereas BMI percentile increased 3%-4%. There was no difference in student BMI between those in schools with and without physical activity policy implementation. Examining behavioral correlates in eighth grade, students at schools randomized to the nutrition condition consumed fewer unhealthy foods and sugar-sweetened beverages, and ate less frequently at fast-food restaurants (all p<0.03). CONCLUSIONS This cluster randomized trial demonstrated effectiveness of providing support for implementation of school-based nutrition policies, but not physical activity policies, to limit BMI increases among middle school students. Results can guide future school interventions. TRIAL REGISTRATION This study is registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov NCT02043626.
-
9.
Use of Wearable Technology and Social Media to Improve Physical Activity and Dietary Behaviors among College Students: A 12-Week Randomized Pilot Study.
Pope, ZC, Barr-Anderson, DJ, Lewis, BA, Pereira, MA, Gao, Z
International journal of environmental research and public health. 2019;(19)
Abstract
College students demonstrate poor physical activity (PA) and dietary behaviors. We evaluated the feasibility of a combined smartwatch and theoretically based, social media-delivered health education intervention versus a comparison on improving college students' health behaviors/outcomes. Thirty-eight students (28 female; Xage = 21.5 ± 3.4 years) participated in this two-arm, randomized 12-week pilot trial (2017-2018). Participants were randomized into: (a) experimental: Polar M400 use and twice-weekly social cognitive theory- and self-determination theory-based Facebook-delivered health education intervention; or (b) comparison: enrollment only in separate, but content-identical, Facebook intervention. Primary outcomes pertained to intervention feasibility. Secondary outcomes included accelerometer-estimated PA, physiological/psychosocial outcomes, and dietary behaviors. Intervention adherence was high (~86%), with a retention of 92.1%. Participants implemented health education tips 1-3 times per week. We observed experimental and comparison groups to have 4.2- and 1.6-min/day increases in moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA), respectively, at six weeks-partially maintained at 12 weeks. In both groups, similarly decreased body weight (experimental = -0.6 kg; comparison = -0.5 kg) and increased self-efficacy, social support, and intrinsic motivation were observed pre- and post-intervention. Finally, we observed small decreases in daily caloric consumption over time (experimental = -41.0 calories; comparison = -143.3). Both interventions were feasible/of interest to college students and demonstrated initial effectiveness at improving health behaviors/outcomes. However, smartwatch provision may not result in an additional benefit.
-
10.
Predictors of Smoking Cessation Among College Students in a Pragmatic Randomized Controlled Trial.
Pardavila-Belio, MI, Ruiz-Canela, M, Canga-Armayor, N
Prevention science : the official journal of the Society for Prevention Research. 2019;(5):765-775
Abstract
An effective strategy to quit smoking should consider demographic aspects, smoking-related characteristics and psychological factors. This study examined potential predictors of smoking cessation in Spanish college students. A total of 255 college student smokers (18-24 years old), recruited to a cessation trial (Spain, 2013-2014), comprised an observational cohort. The main outcome was biochemically verified (urine cotinine) abstinence at the 6-month follow-up. Baseline potential predictors included socio-demographic, smoking-related and psychological variables (Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND), expired monoxide level (CO), intention to quit, previous quit attempts, participation in previous multicomponent programmes and confidence in quitting). Logistic regression models were used to identify potential predictors, the area under the ROC curve (AUC) was used to discriminate the capacity of the predictors and the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test was used to assess model calibration. After 6 months of follow-up, variables related to high nicotine dependence, FTND and expired CO levels were associated with lower odds of quitting smoking (OR = 0.69 [95% CI 0.54-0.89] and 0.84 [0.77-0.92], respectively). Furthermore, being prepared to change (OR = 3.98 [1.49-10.64], p = 0.006) and being confident to quit (OR = 4.73 [2.12-10.55], p < 0.001) were also potential predictors of smoking cessation. The model that combined all these variables had the best predictive validity (AUC = 0.84 [0.78-0.91], p = 0.693) and showed good predictive capacity (χ2 = 10.36, p = 0.241). Findings highlight that, in this population of college student smokers, having a lower level of nicotine dependence, being prepared to quit and having the confidence in the ability to quit were associated with smoking cessation, and these factors had good predictive capacity.