Using digital interventions to encourage healthy eating

Abstract

Background: YouTube content has become increasingly popular among children who are not only viewers but producers of this digital medium However, there is no research exploring the use of this medium to aid healthy behaviours. Aims: To evaluate how families responded to taking part in an online educational healthy eating intervention by creating YouTube-style digital vlogs. Methods: The intervention was delivered online to five families with child/ren aged between 6–16 years. Focus groups were conducted with the families after the intervention to explore their learning and experiences. Findings: The families indicated initial challenges in making the vlogs, however, there was evidence of child attitude change and sustained behavioural change as well as enhanced awareness for parents. The families produced vlogs which aimed to educate on and provide a challenge for healthy eating. Conclusions: This intervention shows great potential for delivering online public health interventions which engage the whole family in behavioural change.