Table 2 Example intervention messages included in Fresh Facts
TPB variable targeted | Example of how construct was targeted within Fresh Facts* | Example intervention text targeting this construct |
|---|---|---|
Attitude | ||
Factual information about the link between fruit and vegetable consumption and health outcomes from a number of different sources (e.g. “experts” and same age peers) was provided over the course of the intervention | “In Australia, experts agree that you should enjoy a wide variety of nutritious foods including plenty of vegetables, legumes, and fruit. Australian health professionals recommend eating at least 2 serves of fruit and 5 serves of vegetables” | |
“Eating more fruit and vegetables makes it easier to control my weight and keeps my skin clear. Eating plenty of fruit and vegetables help me look and feel my best” | ||
Subjective norm | ||
Participants were provided information same age peers approval of fruit and vegetable consumption | “Over 80% of young adults think their peers should eat at least 2 servings for fruit and 5 servings of vegetables every day” | |
Stories from other young people were included to provide information about the fruit and vegetable consumption of same age peers | “I eat at least 2 fruit and 5 veg every day – and I think everyone should as well” | |
Individuals were prompted to compare their own fruit and vegetable consumption to other people they knew and to seek advice and support from individuals who were consuming high quantities of fruit and vegetables | “If there are people in your life who are especially good at eating well, why not ask them how they do it? Talking to others can give you ideas about how to improve your own habits” | |
Perceived behavioural control | ||
Fresh Facts messages emphasised that consumption of fruit and vegetables was easy to perform and achievable for the individual | “Eating the recommended daily intake of fruit and vegetables is not a difficult task. You can do this very easily… you can do it. So do it this week” | |
During Fresh Facts development young adults reported that storage of fresh food was a major barrier fruit and vegetable consumption. Participants were provided with instruction and “tips” designed to encourage consumption of fruit and vegetables in spite of this barrier | “Some people say that fruits and vegetables are hard to store – but storage is a snap if you shop and eat smart. You can make up your daily intake of fruit and vegetables with a variety of fresh, frozen, tinned, and dried foods” | |