Abstract ID: 59
Authors:
Dr Fathima Sumaiya Mubarak (MD, MSc, MBBS)
Dr Roshan Hewapathirana (MBBS, MSc, PhD)
Professor S. Tharanga Thoradeniya (BVSc., PhD. (Nutritional Biochemistry))
Dr Susith Athukorala (MD, MSc, MBBS)
Affiliations:
Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo; Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo; Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo; National Cancer Institute, Maharagama.
Abstract:Background Youth are connected through digital platforms and exposed to a vast amount of information. Poor food literacy may influence their dietary habits, contributing to NCDs and obesity. Traditional health promotion efforts do not effectively reach the youth. The content presentation through digital platforms is necessary to reach them effectively and promote healthy eating. Objectives Develop a guideline for content creators to effectively utilise digital platforms in a nutritionally accurate manner to promote healthy food choices among youth. Materials and Methods A mixed-methods research informed by the Diffusion of Innovation theory was conducted to acquire insight into formulating the guideline. A rapid review was performed to identify strategies utilised by digital content creators on digital platforms. A cross-sectional study was used to analyse usage and perceptions of online healthy food content among youth (n=382) in Sri Lanka. The evidence gathered was used in the focus group discussion to develop the guideline. The guideline was validated using the AGREE II tool. Results Thirty-two articles were selected from 380 retrieved for the rapid review. Strategies to reach and engage youth were categorised into digital platforms, messaging, and self-monitoring. The cross-sectional study revealed that youth predominantly use handheld devices and personal data/Wi-Fi to access social media daily (72.9%) and video-sharing platforms (62.1%). They favour concise, visually appealing content (53.1%) in video (74.7%) or image (62.1%) formats with positive emotions. Testimonials and success stories, especially for females (p=0.039), motivate healthy eating habits. The guideline, developed after the focus group discussion, was validated using AGREE II tool. It scored highly in Scope, Purpose, Stakeholder Involvement, and Rigour of Development. Conclusions A validated guideline for content creators backed by evidence to create concise, visually appealing video and image content on digital platforms effectively engages youth and contributes to improving food literacy.
Keywords: Global Health Education and Technology, Health communication, Consumer Health Informatics, Young Adults, Digital Platforms
