The Feasibility of an E-mail–Delivered Intervention to Improve Nutrition and Physical Activity Behaviors in African American College Students

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of an e-mail–delivered program to promote nutrition and physical activity in African American college students. Participants: Forty-seven students (76% female, aged 18–20 years). Methods: Students participated in a 24-week randomized controlled trial, receiving either general health information or the intervention focused on diet and physical activity. Results: At baseline, 80.9% and 76.0% of participants reported interest in improving diet and physical activity, respectively. Participants evidenced poor nutrition behaviors and 46% were overweight or obese. At 24 weeks, most participants (70% control, 84% intervention) were “somewhat” or “very” satisfied with the program. The program was feasible to administrate, with the exception of measurement of physical activity using accelerometers. Conclusions: An innovative e-mail–delivered program promoting positive health behaviors appears to be feasible and acceptable in African American college students. Further research is needed to evaluate program efficacy in this population, including prevention of excess weight gain.

Keywords:

• African American
• electronic intervention
• health education
• nutrition