An exploration of healthy food choice and the translation of nutrition information for adults

Abstract

Background
Determining what constitutes healthy eating is complex, with no universally accepted definition. Central to improving food choices and promoting healthy eating is nutrition knowledge. Adequate nutrition knowledge promotes healthier food choices, which, in turn, enhances health and wellness. Social media has emerged as an important tool for consumers, enabling them to readily access and seek an extensive amount of information related to healthy eating, such as through blogs. The overarching aim of this PhD research was to explore healthy eating blogs as a specific method through which healthy eating information can be disseminated to consumers. A program of four studies over three phases was undertaken with the purpose of exploring the overall research aim from different viewpoints. The objective of Phase one was to (i) understand what healthy eating means to consumers to ensure messaging about nutrition resonates with them in the current context (Study 1). Furthermore, the objective of Phase two was to (ii) identify the extent to which consumers access healthy eating blogs, their demographic profile, and the reading behaviours of this group (Chapter 5) and (iii) identify communication characteristics and learn from the success behind popular healthy eating blogs (Chapter 6). The objective of the final phase of this research was to (iv) develop a tool to support and guide dietitians in authoring healthy eating blogs.

Methods
Using a pragmatist framework and a mixed methods approach, four individual studies were conducted over three phases, with each phase informing the next. Phase one utilised a semi-structured interview approach from October 2015 to March 2016. Phase two included two concurrent studies: (i) a cross-sectional online self-reported national survey conducted over three points in time between December 2017 and March 2022; and (ii) quantitative content analysis of popular Australian healthy eating blogs conducted from December 2017 to March 2018. Phase three utilised a modified three round e-Delphi design between June and October 2019.

Results
Phase one results confirmed that descriptions of healthy eating were consistent with what has been previously reported in the literature. Additionally, it was identified that while consumers were aware of what constitutes healthy eating, applying this understanding to daily life was challenging and was not always prioritised amidst other demands. To bridge the gap between knowledge and translation, blogs were specifically identified by consumers as a platform used to access practical, healthy eating information. In Phase two, it was found that 51% of consumers read healthy eating blogs, with receiving practical information being the main driver of readership. Female-identifying consumers were 3.2 times more likely to read healthy eating blogs than those who did not identify as female, and they reported spending up to 30 minutes a few times per week reading blogs. No other demographic factors (i.e., education, location, age, and body mass index (BMI)) were associated with healthy eating blog readership. The content analysis of popular healthy eating blogs identified the four main characteristics of how blog authors communicate information and included: (i) a clear post purpose, (ii) the need to understand the blog readership, (iii) the use of a consistent writing style, vocabulary, and layout, and (iv) the provision of practical healthy eating information. In Phase three, experts agreed on a set of 33 recommendations that were formulated to develop the ‘Purpose, cOmmunity, Structure, and Tone (P.O.S.T)’ Guidelines for Nutrition Blogs to guide dietetic professionals in authoring content.

Conclusion
Improving consumer food choices continues to be a public health priority in reducing chronic disease risk. With the increasing use of social networking platforms, including blogs, as avenues for practical, healthy eating information, it is important that the future dietetic workforce be supported and skilled. This research suggests that consumers, especially those who identify as female, actively read healthy eating blogs for practical healthy eating information. It also provides a guiding tool for dietetic professionals to use when communicating with consumers via blogs through the P.O.S.T guidelines. This research supports the advancement of the future dietetic workforce as ‘knowledge translators’. It also has implications for practice, as it explores the application of the P.O.S.T guidelines in the field of nutrition and dietetics and beyond. The importance of equipping future dietitians with marketing and communications skills is also emphasised to maximise communication on blogs and social media platforms.

Date of Award	2024
Original language	English
Supervisor	Jane KELLETT (Supervisor), Rachel BACON (Supervisor), Alison SHIELD (Supervisor) & Kristen MURRAY (Supervisor)