Pilot Intervention Using Food Challenges and Video Technology for Promoting Fruit and Vegetable Consumption

Area of Science:

• Behavioral Science
• Nutrition Education
• Health Psychology

Background:

• College students often face challenges in adopting healthy eating habits.
• Social Cognitive Theory provides a framework for understanding and influencing health behaviors.
• Nutrition education programs can be enhanced by incorporating behavioral change strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility of a Social Cognitive Theory-based intervention in a college nutrition course.
• To evaluate the intervention's impact on cognitive, affective, and behavioral outcomes related to nutrition.
• To explore the use of guided goal-setting and video technology for promoting healthy eating behaviors.

Main Methods:

• A pre-post quasi-experimental design was employed with 138 college students.
• Participants engaged in weekly food challenges over a 15-week nutrition course.
• Interventions included guided goal-setting, cooking videos, and self-reflection exercises.

Main Results:

• Significant increases were observed in nutrition and cooking self-efficacy.
• Students demonstrated significant improvements in fruit and vegetable consumption.
• The intervention positively influenced cognitive and behavioral outcomes related to healthy eating.

Conclusions:

• A Social Cognitive Theory-based intervention is feasible and effective in a college nutrition setting.
• Guided goal-setting and video technology can simplify behavior change strategies.
• This pilot study provides a scalable framework for improving student nutrition and promoting lifelong healthy eating habits.