title: Mobile MyPlate: a pilot study using text messaging to provide nutrition education and promote better dietary choices in college students.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the acceptance and effectiveness of repetitive nutrition-related text messages on college students' nutrition knowledge and fruit and vegetable consumption.
  
  
  METHODS
  One hundred fifty undergraduate (18-24 years old) non-health major students with a texting mobile phone.
  
  
  METHODS
  The intervention group received biweekly text messages of the MyPlate icon and the United States Department of Agriculture's Dietary Guidelines (DGs) for 7 weeks. The control group received the same information in a mailed brochure. A pre and post online survey assessed the students' knowledge and behavior.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The intervention resulted in greater MyPlate food group recognition (p <.05) compared with control and a trend toward improved knowledge of the DGs. In the intervention group, fruit consumption was elevated (p <.05) and a trend toward elevated vegetable consumption was determined. No gender differences in intervention effectiveness exist.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Texting repeated messages appears to be an acceptable and effective way to increase nutrition knowledge and promote positive diet-related behaviors in college students.
authors.affiliation: a Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Hospitality , Auburn University , Auburn , Alabama.
authors.forename: Onikia N
authors.initials: ON
authors.lastname: Brown
authors.forename: Lauren E
authors.initials: LE
authors.lastname: O'Connor
authors.forename: Dennis
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Savaiano
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004032:Diet / Q000379:methods*; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D005638:Fruit; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015596:Nutrition Assessment; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012016:Reference Values; D018570:Risk Assessment; D013334:Students / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D060145:Text Messaging / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014495:Universities; D014675:Vegetables; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: MyPlate; adolescents; college; health education; nutrition