Design of a website on nutrition and physical activity for adolescents: Results from formative research

Background: teens do not meet guidelines for healthy eating and physical activity. the internet may be an effective method for delivering programs that help them adopt healthy behaviors. objective: to collect information to design content and structure for a teen-friendly website promoting healthy eating and physical activity behaviors. methods: qualitative research,encompassing both focus group and interview techniques,were used to design the website. participants were 12-17 year olds in houston,texas,and west lafayette,indiana. results: a total of 133 participants took part in 26 focus groups while 15 participated in one-on-one interviews to provide guidance for the development of teen-friendly content and structure for an online behavior change program promoting healthy eating and physical activity to 12-17 year olds. the youth made suggestions to overcome common barriers to healthy eating and physical activity. their feedback was used to develop teen choice: food & fitness, a 12-week online behavior change program,populated by 4 cartoon character role models. conclusions: it is critical that members of the target audience be included in formative research to develop behavior change programs that are relevant,appealing,and address their needs and interests.