NCT06977802

Design and Implementation of a Mobile App for Promoting Healthy and Sustainable Eating Among Students at the University of Parma (MAPHealthS)

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 60 (actual)
• Sponsor: University of Parma · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 30 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

The goal of this randomized controlled trial is to evaluate the effectiveness of a mobile app (MAPHealthS) in promoting healthy and sustainable eating habits among university students at the University of Parma. The study aims to answer the following questions: Does the use of the educational mobile app increase daily fiber intake among students? Does the app improve adherence to sustainable and healthy diets (e.g., Mediterranean and Planetary diets)? What are the effects of the app on physical activity levels, anthropometric measures, and the environmental impact of participants' diets? Researchers will compare the intervention group (using the app) to a control group (no intervention) over a 12-week period, including a 6-week active phase and a 6-week follow-up phase. Participants will: Download and use the app (intervention group) or follow no intervention (control group) for 12 weeks. Complete dietary assessments (24-hour recalls, food frequency questionnaires), provide urine and fecal samples, and undergo anthropometric measurements at multiple time points. Wear actigraphs (a subgroup) to measure energy expenditure. Answer questionnaires on dietary habits, physical activity, and app usability. The study expects to see a significant increase in fiber intake (7g/day) and improved sustainability awareness among app users.

Conditions

• Dietary Fibers
• Environmental Impact
• Eating Habits

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	Digital Nutrition Education Mobile App for Healthy and Sustainable Eating	This intervention is uniquely characterized by: Dual Health-Sustainability Focus - Unlike most nutrition apps targeting weight loss, this integrates planetary health metrics (e.g., carbon/water footprints) alongside dietary guidance. Psychobehavioral Personalization - Content is tailored to four predefined user profiles (e.g., "Convenience-Seeker," "Health-Conscious") identified through baseline questionnaires, adapting messaging strategies (e.g., time-saving tips vs. environmental appeals). Biomarker-Validated Outcomes - Unlike apps relying solely on self-reports, efficacy is assessed via objective measures (urinary LC-MS metabolomics, fecal microbiota analysis). Academic Development - Designed by nutrition scientists + AI engineers (University of Parma), with recipes aligned to Mediterranean/Planetary Diet standards

Timeline

• Start date: 2024-11-04
• Primary completion: 2025-04-29
• Completion: 2025-04-29
• First posted: 2025-05-18
• Last updated: 2025-07-30

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Italy