Assessing Body Measurements, Nutritional Behaviors, And Sleep Behaviors Following Implementation Of MHealth In Appalachian State University College Students

Chronic diseases such as obesity are now more common in college students. College students struggle to develop strategies to maintain healthy weight and lifestyle behaviors when adapting to a college lifestyle and routine. MHealth programs are accessible to college students' schedules and routines due to the high usage of mobile devices. My Quest in the High Country collaborated with Appalachian State University (ASU) Student Health Services and the Blue Cross Institute for Health and Human Services Interprofessional Clinic to create a 24-week mHealth intervention to improve weight status, health behaviors, sleep status and biometrics in ASU students. Recruitment of ASU students occurred from November 2020-January 2021 through flyers, social media, and email. During pre-assessment, eligibility was confirmed; afterward informed consent, biometrics, and a pre-assessment survey were collected. Participants received a scale, Fitbit, and caloric intake goals. From weeks 1-12, participants received text messages (n=1/day), eNewsletters (n=1/wk), and physical activity feedback based on individual physical activity and step counts. At midpoint, Fitbits were returned, biometrics were taken, and a midpoint survey was completed. From weeks 13-24, text messages and eNewsletters continued. At post-assessment, biometrics and post-assessment surveys were collected. Statistical analyses included Wilcoxon Signed Rank, McNemar, paired t-test, and descriptives (frequencies and percentages). Significance was set at p<.05.