Experience and Health Impact of University Students Accessing a Digital Nutrition, Fitness and Mindfulness Platform

Experience and Health Impact of University Students Accessing a Digital Nutrition, Fitness and Mindfulness Platform

Dietary choices, quality of life and stress will be evaluated in a sample of 100 undergraduate students who are in their first year of university. Students will be randomized into the following two groups; intervention arm (students who will use a preventative self-care program for 12 weeks) vs. control arm (students who will not use a preventative self-care program for 12 weeks).

When individuals look after their own health using online applications they can expect similar or even better health outcomes compared to those obtained by using conventional methods. These kind of tools are popular among University students. Due to the many changes and challenges that students face in the first year of University, this sector of our population is at higher risk of presenting nutritional problems, anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts.

Recently, a Canadian online application called My Viva Plan® became available. This program is based on preventive self-care and it includes three key pillars of health: nutrition, fitness, and mindfulness. Changes in dietary choices, quality of life and stress will be evaluated in a sample of 100 undergraduate students who are in their first year of university. Students will be randomized into the following two groups; students who will use the program vs. students who will not use the program. Questionnaires regarding physical activity, mindfulness and mental well-being will be evaluated at baseline, week 6 and week 12. Body composition characteristics using bioelectrical impedance analysis will be collected at the start and end of the study (baseline and week 12).

The objective is to determine if the use of an online application based on preventive self-care will result in better food choices, better quality of life, and reduced stress in first year university students.

Inclusion Criteria:

• First-year undergraduate university students attending the University of Alberta's North Campus
• Students who are able to complete study assessments in their first year of university
• 17-30 years of age

Exclusion Criteria:

• Students with self-reported eating disorders
• Students with self-reported untreated depression, anxiety or other mood disorders
• Students who do not own a device to access the internet (i.e. tablet, computer, laptop, smart phone)
• Students who are not able to communicate in English
• Pregnant or lactating women
• Individuals with pace-makers or electronic implantable devices