Promoting Physical Activity and Healthy Eating in Latinas

Overview

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if an Internet-based behavioral intervention can increase physical activity and improve diet quality among Latina adults. The main question aims to answer is whether participants in the Internet-based behavioral intervention group increase their physical activity levels, increase their consumption of fruits and vegetables, and decrease their consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages over 12 weeks. Researchers will compare the Internet-based physical activity and healthy eating intervention to a wait-list control group (participants who do not receive any intervention until after completing the study) to see if the Internet-based behavioral intervention works to improve physical activity and diet quality. Participants who receive the Internet-based behavioral intervention receive access to the online intervention for 12 weeks, and complete assessments at baseline and week-12. Participants in the wait-list control complete the same assessments at baseline and week 12, then receive access to the online intervention for 12 weeks.

Participants (N=70) will be Latinas aged 18 years and over who report insufficient physical activity levels, insufficient consumption of fruits and vegetables, and regular consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (according to the National Guidelines for Physical Activity and National Dietary Guidelines for Americans). Participants who meet eligibility criteria will attend an online orientation session where they will receive thorough information about the study, including any risks/benefits, study requirements and expectations, and will have the opportunity to ask questions about the study. Latinas who are interested in participating will complete the informed consent process and will be mailed an accelerometer with detailed instruction to wear during the next seven days (until their baseline visit). At their online baseline visit, participants will complete physical activity and dietary assessments and will be randomized to one of two study conditions: 1) the PA and Diet Intervention, or 2) the wait-list control. Participants randomized to the PA and Diet Intervention arm will be given access to an interactive Internet-based intervention for 12 weeks, will establish their goals for increasing fruits and vegetables, decreasing sugar-sweetened beverages, and increasing physical activity, and will complete assessments at baseline and 12 weeks. Participants in the wait-list control will complete the same measures as the intervention group for the first 12 weeks, then will receive access to the Internet-based intervention for another 12 weeks.