Improving children's dietary self-monitoring with digital tools
Enhancing Child Digital Dietary Self-monitoring: Proof-of-concept Trial
This study is testing a new digital food tracking tool for kids aged 8-12 to see if it helps them eat healthier by making it fun and easy to log what they eat.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 80 (estimated) |
| Ages | 8 Years to 100 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | The University of Tennessee, Knoxville Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Knoxville, Tennessee) |
| Trial ID | NCT06193967 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial aims to evaluate a digital dietary self-monitoring log designed for children aged 8-12 years, utilizing positive reinforcement strategies such as caregiver praise and gamification to enhance engagement. Participants will log their daily intake of specific food groups, including fruits, vegetables, and snacks, over a four-week period. The study will assess the usability and acceptability of the digital log among children and their caregivers, as well as its preliminary efficacy in promoting healthier eating behaviors. The approach focuses on making dietary tracking accessible through a mobile-optimized web platform.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are families with children aged 8-12 years who have a BMI-for-age in the 5th percentile or higher and consume foods from at least two targeted food groups.
Not a fit: Patients who may not benefit include those with major psychiatric disorders, families without reliable internet access, or those who do not speak English.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could lead to improved dietary habits in children, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
How similar studies have performed: While similar approaches using digital tools for dietary monitoring have shown promise, this specific combination of positive reinforcement strategies is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Families with children ages 8-12 years with body mass index (BMI)-for-age ≥ 5th percentile who report eating foods/beverages (any serving size) from ≥2 targeted food groups (fruits, vegetables, sweet and salty snack foods, and SSBs) on ≥3 days/week each and who have an adult caregiver ≥18 years of age willing to participate * Family has reliable access to the internet via phone, computer, or another device that the child is able and permitted to operate Exclusion Criteria: * Child has major psychiatric diseases or organic brain syndromes * Family does not live in the greater Knoxville area * Family does not speak English
Where this trial is running
Knoxville, Tennessee
- University of Tennessee — Knoxville, Tennessee, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Lauren Griffiths, MPH
- Email: lgriff31@vols.utk.edu
- Phone: 865-974-0752
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.