Iterative development of Vegethon: a theory-based mobile app intervention to increase vegetable consumption

Area of Science:

• Behavioral science
• Mobile health interventions
• Nutrition research

Background:

• Mobile technology offers a scalable approach for delivering behavioral nutrition interventions.
• This research focused on developing Vegethon, a theory-driven mobile application designed to increase vegetable consumption.

Purpose of the Study:

• To iteratively develop a mobile application (Vegethon) aimed at increasing vegetable consumption.
• To apply the IDEAS framework for systematic, user-centered intervention development.

Main Methods:

• The IDEAS framework guided development through user empathy, behavior specification, theory grounding, strategy ideation, prototyping, user feedback, MVP building, and pilot testing.
• Qualitative interviews (n=18, n=14) and questionnaires (n=41) informed development, alongside a pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) (n=17).
• Target population: adults aged 18-50 with BMIs of 28-40 kg/m(2).

Main Results:

• User feedback highlighted needs for non-judgmental accountability, simple self-monitoring, and meal planning.
• Refinement incorporated vegetable self-monitoring, challenges, simplified features, advice, reminders, and peer comparison.
• Pilot RCT indicated initial efficacy, acceptance, and feasibility; the final app included 18 behavior change techniques.

Conclusions:

• Vegethon is a theory-based, user-informed mobile intervention developed using the IDEAS framework.
• The app targets increased vegetable consumption in overweight adults.
• Vegethon is currently undergoing evaluation in a randomized controlled efficacy trial.