The goal of this observational study is to learn if nutrition education can improve eating habits and health outcomes in adults. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. Does participation in a 6-week nutrition education program improve dietary behaviors? 2. Does participation in the program improve health measures such as blood lipids, blood pressure, and eye nutrient levels? Participants will: 1. Visit the Institute of Gerontology at the beginning and end of the 6-week study for: * Blood draws to measure blood lipids (e.g., cholesterol) * Blood pressure measurement * Eye exams to assess nutrient levels * Completion of questionnaires about dietary habits 2. Complete online questionnaires before and after the study period 3. Participate in the Mind Your Heart program by reviewing 6 online modules over 6 weeks (approximately 20-30 minutes per module)
This study examines the efficacy of a 6-week, web-based nutrition education intervention (Mind Your Heart) on dietary behaviors and cardiometabolic health outcomes. The intervention is delivered via the University of Georgia e-Learning Commons (eLC) platform and incorporates evidence-based nutrition education and behavior change strategies. Participants (UGA employees ≥18 years) are assigned to one of two virtual delivery approaches for the educational content. The intervention consists of six structured modules (approximately 20-30 minutes each), completed over a 6-week period. Repeated measures are collected to assess behavioral and physiological change. Dietary behaviors and health habits are evaluated using validated self-report instruments administered via Qualtrics at baseline and post-intervention. To capture real-time eating behaviors, participants complete brief mobile-delivered questionnaires three times per week (two weekdays, one weekend day), totaling up to 18 assessments over the intervention period. Objective health outcomes are assessed at baseline and follow-up laboratory visits and include cardiometabolic and nutritional biomarkers. Measures include venous blood sampling for lipid profiles, resting blood pressure, anthropometrics (height, weight, body composition), and ocular biomarkers (e.g., macular pigment optical density) as an index of nutrient status. Dietary intake tracking is supported using a third-party application (MyFitnessPal), enabling complementary assessment of dietary patterns. Data are linked using unique study identifiers to ensure confidentiality. Integrated analyses will evaluate changes over time in behavioral and physiological outcomes and examine associations between intervention engagement, dietary behavior, and health indicators.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
OTHER
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
37
The Mind Your Heart intervention is a 6-week web-based behavioral program delivered through the e-Learning Commons (eLC) platform. The program consists of six structured modules integrating evidence-based DASH diet education with mindful eating training. Content focuses on awareness of hunger and satiety cues, sensory attention to food, and self-regulation of eating behaviors. Participants also complete dietary self-monitoring and ecological momentary assessment activities to support behavior change and reinforce program content.
The DASH Diet Education intervention is a 6-week web-based nutrition education program delivered through the e-Learning Commons (eLC) platform. The program consists of six structured modules focused on evidence-based DASH dietary recommendations and heart-healthy eating behaviors. Content includes dietary quality improvement, meal planning, portion control, label reading, and dietary self-monitoring to support behavior change.
University of Georgia
Athens, Georgia, United States
Change in DASH Diet Score
Change in DASH diet adherence from baseline to 6 weeks was measured using the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) Diet Accordance Score. Dietary intake data were collected using MyFitnessPal and used to calculate adherence to nine DASH nutrient targets: total fat, saturated fat, protein, cholesterol, fiber, calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium. Each nutrient is scored as 0 (poor adherence), 0.5 (fair adherence), or 1 (compliant with the DASH target). Scores for all nine nutrients are summed to generate a total DASH Diet Accordance Score ranging from 0 to 9, with higher scores indicating greater adherence to DASH dietary recommendations and a more heart-healthy dietary pattern.
Time frame: Baseline to 6 weeks
Change in Three Factor Eating Questionnaire
Change in eating behaviors from baseline to 6 weeks was measured using the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire-Revised 18 (TFEQ-R18), an 18-item self-report instrument assessing three domains of eating behavior. Cognitive Restraint (6 items; mean score range 1-4) reflects the conscious restriction of food intake to control body weight or promote weight loss. Uncontrolled Eating (9 items; mean score range 1-4) reflects a tendency to overeat due to loss of control over food intake and responsiveness to hunger or food cues. Emotional Eating (3 items; mean score range 1-4) reflects the tendency to eat in response to negative emotions such as stress, anxiety, or sadness. Higher scores indicate greater levels of the respective eating behavior.
Time frame: 6 weeks
Changes in Mindful Eating Behaviors
Change in mindful eating behaviors from baseline to 6 weeks was measured using the Mindful Eating Behavior Scale (MEBS), a 17-item self-report instrument assessing four domains of mindful eating. Focused Eating (5 items; mean score range 1-4) assesses attention to sensory aspects of food and the eating experience. Hunger and Satiety Cues (5 items; mean score range 1-4) assess awareness of and responsiveness to internal hunger and fullness signals. Eating with Awareness (3 items; mean score range 1-4) assesses conscious awareness of eating behaviors. Eating without Distraction (4 items; mean score range 1-4) assesses the ability to eat without engaging in competing activities or thoughts. Higher scores indicate greater mindful eating within each domain. A total MEBS score is not computed.
Time frame: 6 weeks
Changes in Motivation
Change in motivation for regulating eating behaviors from baseline to 6 weeks was measured using the Regulation of Eating Behaviors Scale (REBS), a 24-item self-report measure based on Self-Determination Theory. The REBS assesses six types of motivation: Intrinsic Motivation, Integrated Regulation, Identified Regulation, Introjected Regulation, External Regulation, and Amotivation. Items are rated on a 7-point scale. Autonomous motivation is calculated by summing Intrinsic, Integrated, and Identified Regulation subscales; controlled motivation is calculated by summing Introjected, External Regulation, and Amotivation subscales. Both scores range from 12 to 84, with higher scores indicating stronger motivation in the respective category. A self-determination score is calculated from weighted subscale scores, with higher values indicating greater autonomous motivation to regulate eating behaviors.
Time frame: 6 weeks
Change in Blood Pressure
Change in resting systolic and diastolic blood pressure from baseline to 6 weeks was measured during in-person study visits using standardized clinical procedures. Blood pressure was recorded in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). Lower systolic and diastolic values indicate improved blood pressure control.
Time frame: Baseline to 6 weeks
Change Body weight
Change in body weight from baseline to 6 weeks was measured using a calibrated digital scale. Weight was recorded in kilograms (kg). Lower values indicate weight loss.
Time frame: Baseline to 6 weeks
Change in BMI
Change in body mass index (BMI) from baseline to 6 weeks. BMI was calculated using the CDC Adult BMI Calculator based on measured height (cm) and weight (kg). BMI is reported in kg/m², with lower values indicating reduced body weight relative to height. Lower values indicate reductions in body weight relative to height.
Time frame: 6 weeks
Change in Waist Circumference
Change in waist circumference from baseline to 6 weeks measured in centimeters (cm) using a standardized tape measure. Lower values indicate reduced central adiposity.
Time frame: 6 weeks
Change in Hip-to-Waist Ratio
Change in waist-to-hip ratio from baseline to 6 weeks. Waist-to-hip ratio was calculated by dividing waist circumference (cm) by hip circumference (cm). Lower values indicate a more favorable body fat distribution and lower cardiometabolic risk.
Time frame: 6 weeks
Trait Mindfulness
The Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) was administered at baseline and used as a stratification variable for randomization, and was reassessed at 6 weeks to evaluate change in trait mindfulness. The MAAS is a 15-item self-report measure of present-moment attention and awareness. Items are rated on a 6-point scale ranging from 1 (almost always) to 6 (almost never). Total scores range from 15 to 90, with higher scores indicating greater trait mindfulness and present-moment awareness.
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Time frame: 6 weeks
Change in Ocular Nutrient Status
Change in retinal carotenoid status from baseline to 6 weeks was measured as macular pigment optical density (MPOD) using customized heterochromatic flicker photometry with a Macular Metrics Densitometer (Macular Metrics, Rehoboth, MA, USA). MPOD reflects concentrations of the dietary carotenoids lutein, zeaxanthin, and meso-zeaxanthin in the retina. Participants adjusted the intensity of alternating blue (460 nm) and green (570 nm) light stimuli to minimize perceived flicker, and measurements were obtained at a retinal eccentricity of 30 minutes. MPOD is reported in optical density units, with higher values indicating greater retinal carotenoid status.
Time frame: Baseline to 6 weeks
Changes in Perceived Stress
Change in perceived stress from baseline to 6 weeks was measured using the Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10), a 10-item self-report measure assessing the degree to which individuals perceive situations in their lives as stressful, unpredictable, uncontrollable, and overwhelming. Items are rated on a 5-point scale ranging from 0 (never) to 4 (very often). Total scores are calculated by summing item responses after reverse-scoring positively worded items and range from 0 to 40. Higher scores indicate greater perceived stress.
Time frame: 6 weeks
Change in Total Cholesterol
Change in fasting total cholesterol from baseline to 6 weeks was measured from fasting venous blood samples collected by a trained phlebotomist and analyzed using the Piccolo Xpress analyzer (Abaxis, Union City, CA). Total cholesterol was reported in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). Desirable levels are less than 200 mg/dL, borderline high levels are 200-239 mg/dL, and high levels are 240 mg/dL or greater. Lower values indicate improved lipid status.
Time frame: 6 weeks
Change in Triglycerides
Change in fasting triglycerides from baseline to 6 weeks was measured from fasting venous blood samples collected by a trained phlebotomist and analyzed using the Piccolo Xpress analyzer (Abaxis, Union City, CA). Triglycerides were reported in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). Normal levels are less than 150 mg/dL, borderline high levels are 150-199 mg/dL, high levels are 200-499 mg/dL, and very high levels are 500 mg/dL or greater. Lower values indicate improved lipid status.
Time frame: 6 weeks
Low-Density Lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)
Change in fasting low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) from baseline to 6 weeks measured from fasting venous blood samples collected by a trained phlebotomist and analyzed using the Piccolo Xpress analyzer (Abaxis, Union City, CA). LDL-C was reported in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). Optimal levels are less than 100 mg/dL, near optimal levels are 100-129 mg/dL, borderline high levels are 130-159 mg/dL, high levels are 160-189 mg/dL, and very high levels are 190 mg/dL or greater. Lower values indicate improved cardiovascular risk profile.
Time frame: 6 weeks
High-Density Lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C)
Change in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) from baseline to 6 weeks was measured from fasting venous blood samples collected by a trained phlebotomist and analyzed using the Piccolo Xpress analyzer (Abaxis, Union City, CA). HDL-C was reported in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). Low HDL-C is defined as less than 40 mg/dL for men and less than 50 mg/dL for women. Higher values indicate an improved cardiovascular risk profile
Time frame: 6 weeks
Fasting Blood Glucose
Change in fasting blood glucose from baseline to 6 weeks measured from fasting venous blood samples collected by a trained phlebotomist and analyzed using the Piccolo Xpress analyzer (Abaxis, Union City, CA). Glucose was reported in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). Normal fasting glucose ranges from 70-99 mg/dL, prediabetes is defined as 100-125 mg/dL, and diabetes is defined as 126 mg/dL or greater. Lower values indicate improved glycemic status.
Time frame: 6 weeks