Design and Implementation of a Mobile App for Promoting Healthy and Sustainable Eating Among Students at the University of Parma (MAPHealthS)
Design and Implementation of a Mobile App for Promoting Healthy and Sustainable Eating Among Students at the University of Parma (MAPHealthS)
The goal of this randomized controlled trial is to evaluate the effectiveness of a mobile app (MAPHealthS) in promoting healthy and sustainable eating habits among university students at the University of Parma. The study aims to answer the following questions:
Does the use of the educational mobile app increase daily fiber intake among students?
Does the app improve adherence to sustainable and healthy diets (e.g., Mediterranean and Planetary diets)?
What are the effects of the app on physical activity levels, anthropometric measures, and the environmental impact of participants' diets?
Researchers will compare the intervention group (using the app) to a control group (no intervention) over a 12-week period, including a 6-week active phase and a 6-week follow-up phase.
Participants will:
Download and use the app (intervention group) or follow no intervention (control group) for 12 weeks.
Complete dietary assessments (24-hour recalls, food frequency questionnaires), provide urine and fecal samples, and undergo anthropometric measurements at multiple time points.
Wear actigraphs (a subgroup) to measure energy expenditure.
Answer questionnaires on dietary habits, physical activity, and app usability.
The study expects to see a significant increase in fiber intake (7g/day) and improved sustainability awareness among app users.
Inclusion Criteria:
University students (undergraduate/graduate) at the University of Parma Age 18-29 years Italian nationality and residence in Italy Baseline fiber intake <17.7g/day (below Italian average) Ownership of an iOS/Android smartphone with internet access No current use of nutrition/health tracking apps
No self-reported:
Exclusion Criteria:
Not University students (undergraduate/graduate) at the University of Parma Not Aged 18-29 years Not Italian nationality and residence in Italy Baseline fiber intake >17.7g/day (over Italian average) Not ownership of an iOS/Android smartphone with internet access Current use of nutrition/health tracking apps
Self-reported:
Not signed informed consent