Design of a Website on Nutrition and Physical Activity for Adolescents: Results From Formative Research

Background: Teens do not meet guidelines for healthy eating and physical activity. The Internet may be an effective method for delivering programs that help them adopt healthy behaviors. Objective: To collect information to design content and structure for a teen-friendly website promoting healthy eating and physical activity behaviors. Methods: Qualitative research, encompassing both focus group and interview techniques, were used to design the website. Participants were 12-17 year olds in Houston, Texas, and West Lafayette, Indiana. Results: A total of 133 participants took part in 26 focus groups while 15 participated in one-on-one interviews to provide guidance for the development of teen-friendly content and structure for an online behavior change program promoting healthy eating and physical activity to 12-17 year olds. The youth made suggestions to overcome common barriers to healthy eating and physical activity. Their feedback was used to develop Teen Choice: Food & Fitness, a 12-week online behavior change program, populated by 4 cartoon character role models. Conclusions: It is critical that members of the target audience be included in formative research to develop behavior change programs that are relevant, appealing, and address their needs and interests.