Effect of Structured Short Message Service-Based Educational Programme on Physical Activity and Body Weight Status among Nigerian Female Undergraduates

Abstract

Background and Purpose: Universities and colleges are considered as important sites to implement health educational programme. This study investigated the effect of a structured short message service (SMS)‑based educational intervention on physical activity participation and weight loss (measured in terms of weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), hip circumference and waist‑hip‑ratio among female undergraduates.
Materials and Methods: This experimental study recruited 50 consenting female undergraduates with BMI of 25 kg/m² and above from the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile‑Ife, Nigeria. The participants were randomly allocated into either intervention group or control group. The participants in the intervention group received structured‑SMS based educational instructions on physical activity and nutritional advice thrice weekly for 8 weeks. The control group were only monitored for assessment but received no intervention. Physical activity was assessed using Pedometer. Measures of body weight status were assessed following the standard procedure. Outcomes of interventions were assessed at the end of the 4th and 8th weeks. Alpha level was set at P < 0.05.
Results: The mean ages of the intervention and control groups were 22.0 ± 1.24 years and 21.9 ± 1.32 years, respectively. There was a significant increase in weight (−0.92 ± 2.15 kg vs. 1.52 ± 2.10 kg P = 0.001), BMI (−0.35 ± 0.84 kg/m² vs. 0.58 ± 0.81 kg/m²) and WC (−1.72 ± 4.07 cm vs. 0.84 ± 3.23 cm P = 0.002) at week four between the experimental and control group. There was a significant increase in weight(−1.40 ± 2.15 kg vs. 1.92 ± 2.61 kg P = 0.001), BMI (−0.52 ± 1.18 kg/m² vs. 0.75 ± 1.01 kg/m² P = 0.001) and WC (−1.90 ± 4.94 cm vs. 0.86 ± 3.54 cm P = 0.003) at week eight between the experimental and control group.
Conclusion: A structured SMS on physical activity and nutritional advice can help to achieve weight reduction and improve physical activity participation among female university students