CompletedInterventional

An exploration of the Change4Life Food Scanner app in improving children's diets

This study explores how well the Change4Life Food Scanner app works to improve children's diets and prevent them from becoming overweight. Many online tools claim to help with healthy eating, but we don't know if this app, funded by the UK government, actually makes a difference. We want to find out if parents in Yorkshire and the Humber (with children aged 4-11) find the app acceptable and if using it leads to healthier food choices over three months. Participants will complete food diaries and surveys, and some will be asked to use the app. Your feedback will help us understand if it's an effective tool for families.

At a glance

Status

Completed

Sponsor

University of Sheffield

Enrolment target

144

Start

11 Jan 2020

Estimated completion

10 Jun 2020

Prevention of overweight and obesity in children

What is this study about?

This study is looking into whether a free mobile app called the Change4Life Food Scanner can help parents make healthier food choices for their children. Lots of apps and online tools say they can help families eat better, but we don't always know if they really do. The Food Scanner app was created by the UK government to encourage parents to pick healthier food and drinks, especially to help prevent children from becoming overweight.

The main goal of this research is to see if we can properly test how well this app works. We also want to hear from parents about what they think of the app – if they find it easy to use and helpful. And finally, we want to see if using the app for three months actually leads to children eating a healthier diet.

This is an important study because if the app is effective, it could be a useful tool for many families across the UK to improve their children's health. We are looking for around 150 parents in the Yorkshire and the Humber region to help us answer these questions.

Key takeaways

Study examines the Change4Life Food Scanner app's effectiveness.
Aims to see if the app helps children eat healthier.
Participants are parents of children aged 4-11 in Yorkshire and Humber.
Involves online food diaries and surveys over a 3-month period.
Some participants will use the app and give feedback.
Receive gift vouchers for taking part, with prize draw opportunities.

Who may be eligible?

We are looking for parents who have children aged between 4 and 11 years old. To take part, you need to live in the Yorkshire and the Humber area of the UK. You also need to have a smartphone with internet access both at home and when you're out, and have at least 100MB of storage space available on your phone for the app.

It's important that you are able to take part in the study for all three months and that you are actively involved in buying food for your household or making decisions about what your children eat. Most of your food shopping should happen in a physical supermarket, not mainly online.

There are a few reasons why you might not be able to join. If you are already using the Change4Life Food Scanner app right now, you won't be able to participate. Also, if your child has a health condition that means they need a special diet, this study might not be suitable, as it could make it hard to see the app's true effects.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Do you have a child between 4 and 11 years old?
Do you live in the Yorkshire and the Humber area?
Do you own a smartphone with internet access and enough memory?
Are you involved in your household's food shopping decisions, mostly in-store?
Are you willing and able to participate for a full three months?
Are you NOT currently using the Change4Life Food Scanner app?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, the study will last for three months. Before you fully commit, we'll ask you a few questions online to check if you're a good fit for the research. If you are, and you agree to continue, you'll answer some questions about yourself and your child, such as height, weight, background, and education. We'll also ask for your email and phone number so we can send you study materials.

Within two days of signing up, you’ll be asked to complete a 3-day food diary on a website called MyFood24. This involves recording everything your child eats and drinks over two weekdays and one weekend day within the same week. This takes about 20 minutes each time. After the food diary, you'll complete a survey (about 15-20 minutes) with questions about food, health, and quality of life.

Some participants will then be randomly chosen to download and use the Change4Life Food Scanner app for their child's food choices. If you are in this group, we'll contact you every two weeks to ask about your experience with the app. Whether you use the app or not, everyone will be asked to complete another 3-day food diary and a survey one month and then again three months into the study. All communication, including links to diaries and surveys, will be sent by email and text. All tasks are completed online from your own home, so there are no in-person visits.

Potential risks and benefits

It's highly unlikely that taking part in this study will cause you any upset, as all tasks are done online in your own home. You might find completing the surveys a bit tiring, but we've tried to keep them as short as possible. If you do feel distressed during the study, please contact the main researcher, Dr. Sundus Mahdi. If any distress continues afterwards, you should contact your GP or look at the NHS Wellness pages. As a thank you for taking part for three months, everyone will receive a £30 multi-use gift voucher. If you are one of those asked to use the app, you'll get an extra £5 voucher. All participants will also be entered into a prize draw to win a £150 Virgin Experience Days gift card. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time; if you do, you may be asked to complete a short online form explaining why, and you'll be entered into a prize draw for a £25 shopping voucher as a thank you.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Sheffield Centre for Health and Related Research
City only
Sheffield, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is the Change4Life Food Scanner app?

It's a free UK government app designed to help parents pick healthier food options for their children.

How long will I need to be involved in the study?

The study will ask you to participate for a period of three months.

Do I have to visit a clinic or hospital?

No, all parts of this study are completed online from your own home, so no visits are needed.

Will I get paid for taking part?

You will receive a £30 gift voucher for completing the three-month study, with an extra £5 if you use the app. There are also prize draws for all participants.

What if I change my mind about participating?

You can withdraw from the study at any time. You may be asked to complete a short anonymous form.

How to find out more

Sundus Mahdi

sundus.mahdi@york.ac.uk +44 (0)1904 32 3044 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.