This study is a parallel group randomized controlled trial among female university students designed to test the effect of a physical activity intervention on daily walking. Both groups will receive messages 2-3 times per week via WhatsApp. Intervention group will receive orientation and wear a pedometer for the study period. The follow-up duration is 3 months.
Background: Sedentary lifestyle is a major risk factor for chronic diseases. The majority of Saudi females do not meet a recommended level of physical activity. Study Objective: To test the effect of a physical activity intervention on daily walking. Study Design: Parallel group randomized controlled design among female university students. Methods: Students will be randomly assigned to either the intervention or the control arm. WhatsApp groups (2 per arm) will be formed within each study arm for communications. The intervention participants will receive a brief (15-minute) orientation on diet, exercise, and benefits of keeping a healthy weight; each will be instructed to wear a pedometer every day for 12-weeks with a daily step goal of 8,000. They will receive 2-3 health-promotional (walking and diet) messages per week via WhatsApp; group interaction is optional. The control group participants will receive 2-3 non-health related messages per week. Average daily steps will be assessed in all participants at baseline and 3-month follow-up using a 7-day pedometer measurement.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
207
Brief introductory session, pedometer instruction, daily pedometer use, and health messages delivered via WhatsApp 2-3 times per week.
Non-health related messages delivered via WhatsApp 2-3 times per week.
Qassim University
Buraidah, Al-Qassim, Saudi Arabia
Walking
Change in 7-day average steps. Measurement tool = Omron pedometer HJ-320
Time frame: Baseline to 3-month follow-up
Self-reported walking
Change between baseline and follow-up for walking minutes per week. Measurement tool = International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ)
Time frame: Baseline to 3-month follow-up
Body Mass Index
Change in BMI score between baseline and follow-up. Objective measurement of height and weight.
Time frame: Baseline to 3-month follow-up
Barriers to weight management
Change in number of barriers between baseline and follow-up. Measurement tool = Validated questionnaire.
Time frame: Baseline to 3-month follow-up
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