A program to improve health choices for rural Appalachians
Implementing the Make Better Choices 2 MHealth Energy Balance Intervention for Rural Appalachians
This study is testing a new program that uses a mobile app and coaching to help adults in rural Appalachia eat healthier and be more active.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 225 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 100 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Kentucky Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Benham, Kentucky) |
| Trial ID | NCT04309461 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This intervention program targets health behavior improvements among adults in rural Appalachia, specifically focusing on increasing fruit and vegetable intake, reducing saturated fat consumption, enhancing physical activity, and decreasing sedentary screen time. The program utilizes a mobile app, accelerometer, personalized health coaching, and behavioral incentives to facilitate these changes. Participants will be randomized to either the adapted Make Better Choices 2 (MBC2) program or a stress management control group, with the primary outcome being improvements in diet and activity levels. The study aims to leverage technology to address the significant health challenges faced by this population.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults living in Appalachian Kentucky who are willing to engage with technology to improve their health behaviors.
Not a fit: Patients with unstable medical conditions, cognitive impairments, or those who are pregnant or lactating may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could lead to improved dietary habits and increased physical activity, ultimately reducing the risk of chronic diseases among rural Appalachian residents.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown success with similar mHealth interventions in improving health behaviors, making this approach promising yet still relatively novel in this specific population.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * adults residing in Appalachian Kentucky * willingness to use smart phone to record and modify diet and activity * willingness to wear an accelerometer * consume \<4.5 cups fruit/vegetables daily * consume \>8% daily calories from fat * engage in \<150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity weekly * spend \>90 minutes daily on non-work, non-education-related sedentary recreational use of screen time. Exclusion Criteria: * unstable medical conditions * cognitive impairment * hospitalization for psychiatric disorder within the last 5 years * active suicidal ideation * substance use disorder other than nicotine dependence * at risk for adverse cardiovascular events with moderate-intensity activity * taking weight loss medication * trying to get pregnant, pregnant or lactating * active eating disorders * using mobility assistive devices * inability to read study materials
Where this trial is running
Benham, Kentucky
- MBC2 Field Office — Benham, Kentucky, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Susan C Westneat, MA
- Email: swest1@email.uky.edu
- Phone: 859 323 8282
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.