Self-efficacy, habit strength, health locus of control and response to the personalised nutrition Food4Me intervention study

Purpose Randomised controlled trials identify causal links between variables but not why an outcome has occurred. This analysis sought to determine how psychological factors assessed at baseline influenced response personalised nutrition. Design/methodology/approach Web-based, randomised, trial (RCT) was conducted across seven European countries. Volunteers, both male and female, aged over 18 years were randomised either a non-personalised (control) or (treatment) dietary advice condition. Linear mixed model with fixed effects used compare associations internal external health locus of control (HLoC), nutrition self-efficacy (NS-E) self-report habit index (S-RHI) ( N = 1444), healthy eating (HEI) Mediterranean diet (MDI) scores conditions post-intervention 763). Findings An increase in MDI observed six months the treatment group which associated higher NS-E p < 0.001), S-RHI 0.001) HLoC 0.001). Increase HEI 0.009). Interaction time condition indicated increased than 0.032). Internal had no effect on HEI. Originality/value Psychological behaviour change need consideration when tailoring advice. Those weaker strength will require communication focussed upon establishing habits support integrating advised changes into daily routine. Information can also be inform progress towards goals is monitored fed back individual. stronger are more likely benefit from