Development of Young Adults Eating and Active for Health (YEAH) internet-based intervention via a community-based participatory research model.
OBJECTIVE
To develop a tailored, theory-based, Web-delivered intervention to prevent excessive weight gain in young adults using a Community-Based Participatory Research model.


METHODS
Investigators from 14 universities developed the intervention and supporting administrative portal using the 4 phases of the PRECEDE model. Steering committees were composed of the target audience (aged 19-24 years) and key health/wellness personnel were formed at each institution and provided information during each phase that was used to guide development of the intervention, Project YEAH (Young Adults Eating and Active for Health). Piloting results were used to refine the curriculum and identify and avoid barriers to delivery.


RESULTS
Qualitative and quantitative data collected at each phase informed Project YEAH development. In Phase 1, factors of highest priority to young adults were identified. In Phase 2, environmental supports for healthful lifestyles were elucidated. In Phase 3, behavior and environmental changes considered important and changeable were identified. In Phase 4, the 10-week, theory-based, stage-tailored, interactive-learning intervention with a 10-month reinforcement period was developed.


CONCLUSIONS
Applying the PRECEDE model with fidelity during development of Project YEAH resulted in an intervention that pilot participants found relevant and useful, gained attention, instilled confidence in the ability to apply the information, and provided a sense of satisfaction.
Health and Nutritional Sciences, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD. Electronic address: kendra.kattelmann@sdstate.edu.
Kendra K
KK
Kattelmann
Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of Maine, Orono, ME.
Adrienne A
AA
White
Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI.
Geoffrey W
GW
Greene
Department of Nutritional Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ.
Carol
C
Byrd-Bredbenner
Department of Food Science & Human Nutrition, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI.
Sharon L
SL
Hoerr
Department of Public Health, Food Studies and Nutrition, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY.
Tanya M
TM
Horacek
Department of Human Nutrition, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS.
Tandalayo
T
Kidd
Department of Nutrition, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN.
Sarah
S
Colby
Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences, Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL.
Beatrice W
BW
Phillips
Department of Human Nutrition, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV.
Mallory M
MM
Koenings
Department of Nutrition, Dietetics, and Hospitality Management, Auburn University, Auburn, AL.
Onikia N
ON
Brown
Department of Human Nutrition, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV.
Melissa
M
Olfert
Department of Family, Youth & Community Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL.
Karla P
KP
Shelnutt
Department of Molecular, Cellular, & Biomedical Sciences, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH.
Jesse Stabile
JS
Morrell
D000328:Adult; D001835:Body Weight; D055812:Community-Based Participatory Research / Q000379:methods*; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D020380:Needs Assessment; D012107:Research Design; D055815:Young Adult
Community-Based Participatory Research; Internet; PRECEDE-PROCEED; weight management; young adult