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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07581847

A Boost of Health: Effectiveness of a Personalized Communication Intervention to Increase Daily Fruit and Vegetable Intake

This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of a healthy diet promotion intervention focused on increasing fruit and vegetable consumption. The intervention is delivered via mobile application in a sample drawn from the healthy adult population.

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Key information

Conditions

Interactive Condition (HAPA-I: Group 1) Non-communication Condition (No Comm: Group 3) Non-interactive Condition (HAPA-NI: Group 2)

Age range

18 year–55 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Adorni Roberta

Milan, Milano, 20126, Italy

About this study

The present study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a protocol designed to increase fruit and vegetable consumption, grounded in the Health Action Process Approach (HAPA).

The protocol was delivered via the MyPocketHealth app, developed by the research team, and incorporated different communication strategies. Participants were involved in setting a goal and choosing between a personalized or a standardized goal (5 daily portions), which could be reviewed at any time. Moreover, they received either interactive (HAPA-I: group 1) or non-interactive (HAPA-NI: group 2) daily notifications promoting the target behavior through HAPA constructs for 15 days, while also monitoring their daily fruit and vegetable consumption (self-monitoring). A third group engaged solely in self-monitoring without receiving any communication (no-communication group; No comm). Goal attainment was reinforced through badge awards (rewards).

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Individuals from the general population in good health
  • Adequate level of education to understand study procedures and to use a smartphone
  • Ownership and regular use of a smartphone

Exclusion criteria

  • Medical conditions that contraindicate an increased consumption of fruit and vegetables
  • Habitual consumption of five (or more) portions of fruit and vegetables per day at baseline

Treatment and study plan

Interactive communication

Behavioral

Participants received two daily notifications. Each notification included a question about a variable from the HAPA model, and participants responded on a 5-point Likert scale. Those who scored low (1-3) received a motivational message tailored to their response. In contrast, participants who scored high (4-5) received rewarding messages. These notifications gave participants feedback on their standings within the HAPA.

Non-interactive Communication

Behavioral

Participants received two daily educational notifications about HAPA variables, but they did not interact with the app. The notifications for both the HAPA-I and HAPA-NI groups were identical in structure, word count, and graphic format. The only difference was the level of content customization: it was generic for the HAPA-NI group and tailored to participants' responses for the HAPA-I group.

Self-monitoring

Behavioral

Participants received a daily reminder to log the portions of fruit and vegetables in a dedicated self-monitoring section of the app.

Primary outcomes

  1. Change in Daily Fruit and Vegetable Intake from Baseline

    Time frame: From Day 1 to Day 15 (end of intervention)

    Participants self-monitored daily fruit and vegetable intake throughout the study period. Each evening, participants received a reminder and recorded the number of fruit and vegetable portions consumed that day via a dedicated app interface. At the end of the 15-day intervention, the mean daily intake was calculated for each participant. This value was then compared with baseline intake (assessed prior to the start of the intervention) to evaluate whether a statistically significant increase in daily fruit and vegetable consumption was observed.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Change in Perceived Well-Being (WHO-5 Index)

    Time frame: Baseline and Day 15 (end of intervention)

    Perceived well-being is assessed using the WHO-5 Well-Being Index, a validated self-report questionnaire that measures subjective psychological well-being. The WHO-5 consists of five items rated on a 6-point Likert scale, with higher scores indicating greater well-being. Scores are collected at baseline and at the end of the 15-day intervention. The outcome is defined as the change in WHO-5 score from baseline to post-intervention.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Marco D'Addario

Other

Registry information

Official study title

A Boost of Health: Effectiveness of a Personalized Communication Intervention Aimed at Increasing Daily Fruit and Vegetable Portions - A Study Within the PNRR 10 ON Foods Partnership

Important dates

Study start
2024
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
May 12, 2026
Registry last updated
May 20, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.