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Prapkree L, Deringer R, Coccia C, Huffman F, Palacios C. Effect of using the snackability app on snack quality among US college students with overweight and obesity: A randomized controlled trial. J Am Coll Health 2024:1-10. [PMID: 38652645 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2024.2337008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine if using the Snackability app improves snack intake among college students. PARTICIPANTS US college students with overweight/obesity were recruited in June 2020-April 2021. METHODS A randomized controlled trial was conducted to test the Snackability app use for 12 wk on snack scores (calculated from the app) compared to controls. We also explored the effect on diet quality (Healthy Eating Index-2015) and weight. Outcomes were compared between the intervention and the control groups at 4, 8, and 12 wk using repeated measures ANOVA. RESULTS Participants in the app group significantly increased snack score at week 4 (p < 0.001) and week 8 (p = 0.015) and increased HEI-2020 score (p < 0.001) at week 4 compared to controls. The first 4 wk had the highest app usage. No significant differences were seen in body weight. CONCLUSIONS The Snackability app can be used as a tool to help improve snack and diet quality in this group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukkamol Prapkree
- Department of Dietetics and Nutrition, Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social Work, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Rianna Deringer
- Department of Dietetics and Nutrition, Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social Work, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Catherine Coccia
- Department of Dietetics and Nutrition, Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social Work, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Fatma Huffman
- Department of Dietetics and Nutrition, Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social Work, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Cristina Palacios
- Department of Dietetics and Nutrition, Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social Work, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
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Dudley MZ, Squires GK, Petroske TM, Dawson S, Brewer J. The Use of Narrative in Science and Health Communication: A Scoping Review. Patient Educ Couns 2023; 112:107752. [PMID: 37068426 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2023.107752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many people deny science and reject health recommendations despite widely distributed facts and statistics. Didactic science and health communication is often dry, and relies on the false assumption that people make purely evidence-based decisions. Stories can be a powerful teaching tool by capturing attention and evoking emotion. OBJECTIVE We explore the impact and appeal of, and describe best practices for, using narrative (storytelling) versus didactic methods in science and health communication. PATIENT INVOLVEMENT No patients were involved in the review process. METHODS We searched PubMed and Web of Science for articles either: assessing effectiveness of narrative science/health communication; assessing acceptability of (or preference for) narrative science/health communication; giving advice on how best to use narrative; and/or providing science-based explanations for how/why narrative succeeds. RESULTS Narrative science/health communication is effective and appealing for audiences across a variety of topics and mediums, with supporting evidence across fields such as epidemiology, neuroscience, and psychology. Whether narrative or didactic messaging is most effective depends on the topic, audience, and objective, as well as message quality. However, combining narrative with didactic methods is likely to be more effective than using either strategy alone. DISCUSSION Narrative science/health communication merits wider implementation and further research. Narrative communication creates openness to information by delaying the formulation of counterarguments. PRACTICAL VALUE Science and health communicators should collaborate with cultural and storytelling experts, work directly with their target audiences throughout the message development and testing processes, and rely on popular story elements (e.g., first-person point of view, relatable protagonists) to improve the comprehension, engagement, and thoughtful consideration of their intended audience. FUNDING This work was funded by Thirty Meter Telescope, with which two authors (GKS and SD) were affiliated. Otherwise, the funding organization had no role in the study and/or submission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Z Dudley
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, w5041, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Institute for Vaccine Safety, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, w5041, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
| | - Gordon K Squires
- California Institute of Technology / IPAC, 1200 E California Blvd, 315 Keith Spalding, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | | | - Sandra Dawson
- Thirty Meter Telescope International Observatory, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Janesse Brewer
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, w5041, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Institute for Vaccine Safety, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, w5041, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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Lambert LG, Mann G, Partacz M, Jurss MA. Measuring university students' beliefs toward healthy snack selection. J Am Coll Health 2022; 70:191-198. [PMID: 32207666 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2020.1732987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2019] [Revised: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Objectives: Understanding university students' beliefs toward selecting healthy snacks is important in developing effective programs targeting healthy eating behaviors. The purpose of this research was to assess students' beliefs toward healthy snack selection and consumption. Participants: In November 2017, a convenience sample of 779 undergraduate students living on campus completed an online survey. Methods: A survey was developed to measure students' beliefs about eating healthy snacks. Paired t-tests were used to compare differences in beliefs and their importance. Independent t-tests were used to compare differences in belief responses by gender. Results: Students believed that healthy snacks were good for health and assisting with weight management. However, time management, motivation, preparation needs, and poor taste were reported as barriers to selection and consumption of healthy snacks. Conclusions: Increasing students' awareness of available food preparation facilities, developing food preparation skills, and motivation for consumption of healthy-good tasting snacks may increase healthier snacking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurel G Lambert
- Department of Nutrition and Hospitality Management, University of Mississippi, Oxford, Mississippi, USA
| | - Georgianna Mann
- Department of Nutrition and Hospitality Management, University of Mississippi, Oxford, Mississippi, USA
| | - Megan Partacz
- University of Memphis Dining, University of Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Mariana A Jurss
- Department of Nutrition and Hospitality Management, Student Health Services, University of Mississippi, Oxford, Mississippi, USA
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Cole SN, Smith DM, Ragan K, Suurmond R, Armitage CJ. Synthesizing the effects of mental simulation on behavior change: Systematic review and multilevel meta-analysis. Psychon Bull Rev 2021; 28:1514-1537. [PMID: 33948918 PMCID: PMC8500882 DOI: 10.3758/s13423-021-01880-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Mental simulation of future scenarios is hypothesized to affect future behavior, but a large and inconsistent literature means it is unclear whether, and under what conditions, mental simulation can change people's behavior. A meta-analysis was conducted to synthesize the effects of mental simulation on behavior and examine under what conditions mental simulation works best. An inclusive systematic database search identified 123 (N = 5,685) effect sizes comparing mental simulation to a control group. After applying a multilevel random effects model, a statistically-reliable positive effect of Hedges' g = 0.49, 95% CI [0.37; 0.62] was found, which was significantly different than zero. Using a taxonomy to identify different subtypes of mental simulation (along two dimensions, class [process, performance, outcome] and purpose [whether an inferior, standard, superior version of that behavior is simulated]), it was found that superior simulations garnered more reliable beneficial effects than inferior simulations. These findings have implications for integrating theories of how mental simulations change behavior, how mental simulations are classified, and may help guide professionals seeking evidence-based and cost-effective methods of changing behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott N Cole
- Department of Psychology, York Saint John University, York, YO31 7EX, UK
| | - Debbie M Smith
- Psychology, Leeds Trinity University, Leeds, LS18 5HD, UK
| | - Kathryn Ragan
- Psychology, Newcastile University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, UK
| | - Robert Suurmond
- School of Business and Economics, Maastricht University, 6229 GT, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Christopher J Armitage
- Manchester Centre for Health Psychology, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK.
- Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK.
- NIHR Greater Manchester Patient Safety Translational Research Centre, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK.
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Xin M, Coulson NS, Jiang CL, Sillence E, Chidgey A, Kwan NNM, Mak WWS, Goggins W, Lau JTF, Mo PKH. Web-Based Behavioral Intervention Utilizing Narrative Persuasion for HIV Prevention Among Chinese Men Who Have Sex With Men (HeHe Talks Project): Intervention Development. J Med Internet Res 2021; 23:e22312. [PMID: 34528889 PMCID: PMC8485190 DOI: 10.2196/22312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background In the era of potent antiretroviral therapy, a high level of condomless anal intercourse continues to drive increases in HIV incidence in recent years among men who have sex with men. Effective behavior change strategies for promoting HIV-preventive behaviors are warranted. Narrative persuasion is a novel health communication approach that has demonstrated its persuasive advantages in overcoming resistance to counterattitudinal messages. The efficacy of narrative persuasion in promoting health behavior changes has been well documented, but critical research gaps exist for its application to HIV prevention. Objective In this study, we aimed to (1) capitalize on narrative persuasion to design a web-based multisession intervention for reducing condomless anal intercourse among men who have sex with men in Hong Kong (the HeHe Talks Project) by following a systematic development process; and (2) describe the main components of the narrative intervention that potentially determine its persuasiveness. Methods Persuasive themes and subtopics related to reducing condomless anal intercourse were initially proposed based on epidemiological evidence. The biographic narrative interview method was used to elicit firsthand experiential stories from a maximum variation sample of local men who have sex with men with diverse backgrounds and experiences related to HIV prevention; different types of role models were established accordingly. Framework analysis was used to aggregate the original quotations from narrators into collective narratives under 6 intervention themes. A dedicated website was finally developed for intervention delivery. Results A series of video-based intervention messages in biographic narrative format (firsthand experiential stories shared by men who have sex with men) combined with topic-equivalent argumentative messages were produced and programmed into 6 intervention sessions. The 6-week intervention program can be automatically delivered and monitored online. Conclusions We systematically created a web-based HIV prevention intervention derived from peer-generated stories. Strategies used to enhance the efficacy of the narrative intervention have been discussed within basic communication components. This paper describes the methods and experiences of the rigorous development of a narrative communication intervention for HIV prevention, which enables replication of the intervention in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiqi Xin
- Centre for Health Behaviours Research, Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Neil S Coulson
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Crystal Li Jiang
- Department of Media and Communication, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Elizabeth Sillence
- Department of Psychology, Northumbria University, Newcastle, United Kingdom
| | | | - Norman Nok Man Kwan
- Health and Care Service Department, Hong Kong Red Cross, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Winnie W S Mak
- Department of Psychology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - William Goggins
- Centre for Health Behaviours Research, Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Joseph Tak Fai Lau
- Centre for Health Behaviours Research, Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Phoenix Kit Han Mo
- Centre for Health Behaviours Research, Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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Ball JG, Applequist J. The Use of Narratives to Deliver Information in Direct-To-Consumer Prescription Drug Commercials: A Content Analysis. J Health Commun 2019; 24:512-524. [PMID: 31256712 DOI: 10.1080/10810730.2019.1631915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Information communicated through a narrative format is typically processed and evaluated differently compared to non-narrative formats. Therefore, differences in the use of narratives across various information categories within direct-to-consumer prescription drug advertisements (DTCA) could have significant implications for consumers' processing of that information. Such differences could have further implications regarding the "fair balance" rule put forth by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This study sought to document the presence and nature of narrative and non-narrative messages in a content analysis of 61 U.S.-based broadcast DTCA airing during 2016. Specific narrative styles (classic drama, vignette, first person, second person, third person) were distinguished from non-narrative styles (lecture, directive, endorsement, graphic/demonstration) according to key characteristics of each (chronology and character, showing versus telling). Results indicated widespread use of narrative styles in DTCA overall, but the styles used differed substantially between different types of information. Narrative styles were delivered prominently to present health condition and drug benefits information while non-narrative styles primarily reinforced drug benefits and presented drug risks. These differences offer a new frame through which to view an imbalanced presentation of drug risks and benefits and provide a foundation for future research to test the effects of various narrative and non-narrative forms on patient understanding and message recall.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Gerard Ball
- a Klein College of Media and Communication, Temple University , Philadelphia , USA
| | - Janelle Applequist
- b Zimmerman School of Advertising and Mass Communications, University of South Florida , Tampa , USA
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Willoughby JF, Liu S. Do pictures help tell the story? An experimental test of narrative and emojis in a health text message intervention. Computers in Human Behavior 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2017.10.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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