Non-Pharmacological Interventions to Reduce Unhealthy Eating and Risky Drinking in Young Adults Aged 18–25 Years: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Alcohol use peaks in early adulthood and can contribute both directly and indirectly to unhealthy weight gain. This review aimed to systematically evaluate the effectiveness of preventative targeted interventions focused on reducing unhealthy eating behavior and linked alcohol use in 18–25-year-olds. Twelve electronic databases were searched from inception to June 2018 for trials or experimental studies, of any duration or follow-up. Eight studies (seven with student populations) met the inclusion criteria. Pooled estimates demonstrated inconclusive evidence that receiving an intervention resulted in changes to self-reported fruit and vegetable consumption (mean change/daily servings: 0.33; 95% CI −0.22 to 0.87) and alcohol consumption (mean reduction of 0.6 units/week; CI −1.35 to 0.19). There was also little difference in the number of binge drinking episodes per week between intervention and control groups (−0.01 sessions; CI −0.07 to 0.04). This review identified only a small number of relevant studies. Importantly, included studies did not assess whether (and how) unhealthy eating behaviors and alcohol use link together. Further exploratory work is needed to inform the development of appropriate interventions, with outcome measures that have the capacity to link food and alcohol consumption, in order to establish behavior change in this population group.

Effect of Stanford Youth Diabetes Coaches' Program on Youth and Adults in Diverse Communities

“…School-based multicomponent educational programs that support and promote health behavior change in adolescents through interventions focused on nutrition, physical activity, stress reduction, and other healthy behaviors have shown limited sustainability and effectiveness. 8,[12][13][14] Furthermore, we did not find any studies involving rural adolescents in the United States. Adolescence is the peak time for the development of psychopathology as well.…”

“…However, school health education programs have rarely focused specifically on diabetes knowledge and prevention. School-based multicomponent educational programs that support and promote health behavior change in adolescents through interventions focused on nutrition, physical activity, stress reduction, and other healthy behaviors have shown limited sustainability and effectiveness 8,12–14. Furthermore, we did not find any studies involving rural adolescents in the United States.…”

Determinants of the acceptability of health problems in different ages: exploring a new application of the EQ VAS

“…The relationship of age and health-state utilities was bell-shaped in the UK TTO EQ-5D valuation study [ 25 ] and we found increased acceptability of health problems in the 18–34-year-old age group. Perceived severity of health outcomes may play a role in the prevention of health-risk behaviours [ 26 ], an important health concern among young adults [ 27 ]. Acceptability of health problems may be linked to the perception of health risks by younger adults, although this hypothesis needs empirical testing.…”