A quantitative test of the face validity of behavior-change messages based on the Brazilian Dietary Guidelines

Abstract

Background Implementation science has scant evidence of how dietary guidelines can be developed into actionable behavior-change messages and even less evidence on their motivating potential and perceived effect on behavior. This may explain the widening gap between nutrition science and individual behavior and the low uptake of dietary recommendations by the population for which they are intended. This study aimed to: (i) assess participant receptivity and acceptance of behavior-change messages; (ii) determine if the behavior-change strategies used in the messages and the main theme they relayed influenced participant evaluation of the messages; (iii) explore if evaluations varied by participants’ stage of behavior-change; and (iv) elucidate reasons for non-compliance with the messages. Methods An online survey was used to test the face validity and participant receptivity of 28 behavior-change messages, among a diverse sample of 2400 adult Brazilians. Participants’ understanding of the messages, message likeability and convincingness, and the probability that participants would change behavior in accordance with the message were measured, along with reasons for non-compliance. Results The mean overall scores suggested that participants liked the messages, understood them, and found them convincing. As expected, the probability of complying with the messages scored lower compared to other study outcomes. Messages about shopping practices, cooking practices, and planning and organization performed better than those on other themes. Participants were more receptive to messages that included behavior-change strategies like goals, social identity, and pleasure, however, the probability of compliance was higher for messages with constructs that emphasized health and cost consequences. Participants trying to change their diet or seeking resources to support healthier dietary choices had greater engagement with and receptivity to the messages. Time and effort, and high costs associated with making healthy changes, were barriers to compliance. Conclusions Messages may help improve individual understanding, stimulate interest in a topic and get participants engaged, particularly if messages are goal-oriented and highlight the pleasure and collective identity of these food-related behaviors. However, messages stop short of addressing the structural, social, and economic barriers to healthy diets. These aspects will need to be targeted through legislative action for sustainable behavior change.

Treatment of childhood obesity based on the reduction of ultra‐processed foods plus energy restriction: A randomised controlled trial based on the Brazilian guidelines

“…A study carried out to assess the behaviour-change messages of the DGBP showed that participants who seek to change their diet mainly for health reasons had greater involvement and receptiveness to the messages. 39 Overall, children do not have the maturity to understand their health situation, and this construction may take a little longer for them to get involved with the treatment. 40 While we T A B L E 2 Crude means and estimated change from baseline to month 6 (Δ) for anthropometric data and dietary intake by allocation group.…”

An audit of the dissemination strategies and plan included in international food-based dietary guidelines

“…Research on FBDG message presentation has highlighted that consumer uptake of key messages can be enhanced if they are simple, goal orientated, use positive framing and employ collective identity techniques to help target users situate their food-related behaviours ( 29 ) . Given the large number of recommendations usually included within FBDG, attempts should be made to simplify, distil and better frame key messages to suit different audiences, to increase their awareness, understanding and uptake.…”

Validation of Mobile Messages for an mHealth Intervention for Smokeless Tobacco Cessation in India

“…When developing mobile messages, one must consider personal needs and how to adapt the message to ensure clarity and appeal to the users (Chahar et al, 2018;Diez-Canseco et al, 2015). The users' opinions and evaluations on the message so developed can help determine how well the messages are received by the target population (Diez-Canseco et al, 2015;Khandpur et al, 2021). The main aim of this study is to describe the findings of the content validation of a set of mobile messages that were developed as a behavioural change intervention for SLT cessation in an urban primary healthcare setting in Odisha, India.…”