The effect of mobile phone short messaging system on healthy food choices among Iranian postmenopausal women.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Central adiposity and metabolic syndrome are quite common among postmenopausal women. Dietary diversity and healthy food choices have essential role in health and also in prevention of obesity. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of mobile phone short messaging system on healthy food choices among Iranian postmenopausal women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a randomized controlled trial in which 100 postmenopausal women aged 40-60 years were recruited and assigned to two groups (50 each in the intervention and control groups). Food frequency consumption was measured using a questionnaire. A total of 16 text messages including information about modification of food selection (healthy choices, benefits, methods, etc.,) were sent to participants in the intervention group during 4 months follow-up (1/week). The Chi-square and independent t-test used for data analysis. Ninety-two women completed the study. RESULTS: The consumption of Vitamin A rich fruits and vegetables significantly increased in the intervention group compared to the control group (P < 0.001). More women in the intervention group consumed fish after intervention (P = 0.02). The consumption of green leafy vegetables showed a nonsignificant increase in the intervention group. CONCLUSION: Using mobile phone short messaging system can improve the healthy food choices regarding Vitamin A rich fruits and vegetables and fish among postmenopausal women.

AI evidence extraction

Main findings

In a randomized controlled trial, participants receiving 16 SMS messages over 4 months showed a significant increase in consumption of Vitamin A rich fruits and vegetables compared with controls (P < 0.001). Fish consumption also increased in the intervention group (P = 0.02). Green leafy vegetable consumption increased nonsignificantly.

Outcomes measured

• Food frequency consumption (questionnaire)
• Consumption of Vitamin A rich fruits and vegetables
• Fish consumption
• Consumption of green leafy vegetables

Limitations

• Food frequency consumption measured by questionnaire (self-reported)
• 8 participants did not complete the study (92/100 completed)
• No details provided on randomization procedure or blinding in the abstract

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    "study_type": "randomized_trial",
    "exposure": {
        "band": null,
        "source": "mobile phone",
        "frequency_mhz": null,
        "sar_wkg": null,
        "duration": "4 months (1 text message/week; 16 total messages)"
    },
    "population": "Iranian postmenopausal women aged 40–60 years",
    "sample_size": 100,
    "outcomes": [
        "Food frequency consumption (questionnaire)",
        "Consumption of Vitamin A rich fruits and vegetables",
        "Fish consumption",
        "Consumption of green leafy vegetables"
    ],
    "main_findings": "In a randomized controlled trial, participants receiving 16 SMS messages over 4 months showed a significant increase in consumption of Vitamin A rich fruits and vegetables compared with controls (P < 0.001). Fish consumption also increased in the intervention group (P = 0.02). Green leafy vegetable consumption increased nonsignificantly.",
    "effect_direction": "benefit",
    "limitations": [
        "Food frequency consumption measured by questionnaire (self-reported)",
        "8 participants did not complete the study (92/100 completed)",
        "No details provided on randomization procedure or blinding in the abstract"
    ],
    "evidence_strength": "moderate",
    "confidence": 0.7399999999999999911182158029987476766109466552734375,
    "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
    "keywords": [
        "SMS",
        "short messaging system",
        "mobile phone",
        "dietary behavior",
        "healthy food choices",
        "postmenopausal women",
        "Iran",
        "randomized controlled trial"
    ],
    "suggested_hubs": []
}

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