Development of eHealth-Based Behavior Change Support for Young Adults Using the Nine Principles Framework

Implementing behavior strategies into nutrition research requires consideration. The Nine Principles framework was used to develop an eHealth behavior change support (BCS) program to enhance young adults' adherence to (1) eating healthily and (2) recording dietary intake when participating in a randomized control trial. The Theory of Planned Behavior and qualitative focus group data informed a 10-week pilot of the BCS delivered on Facebook and texts. The BCS appeared to support optimal dietary recording and maintained dietary behaviors, suggesting using a framework underpinned by theory and user-centered design may be a promising avenue to enhance adherence in randomized control trials.

Automated summary

Implementing behavior strategies into nutrition research requires consideration. The use of the Nine Principles framework and theory-based design in an eHealth behavior change support (BCS) program showed promising results in enhancing adherence to healthy eating and dietary tracking in young adults participating in a randomized control trial. This suggests that incorporating theory and user-centered design in such interventions may be effective in improving adherence in research studies.