Measuring Real-time Snack Consumption Among low ses Youth: a Mobile-based Ecological Momentary Assessment (mEMA) Study

Abstract

Background: We examined contextual predictors of low socio-economic status (SES) youth’ snack consumption (SC) from a dual process perspective. Craving and intention were therefore added to our theoretical model. Methods: 80 participants (68% female) received prompts from the mEMA-app four times a day during seven consecutive days, containing questions regarding contextual factors that influenced their SC during the previous 3.5hours (i.e., location, physical activity and social context). Multilevel analysis (i.e., time of day (ToD) nested within individuals) was conducted in SPSS. Findings: Multilevel regression analysis indicated that SC differed for ToD (SC increased over time). Univariate analyses indicated that, when controlling for ToD, SC was more likely when they were in the presence of other people (OR= 3.3) or experienced feelings of craving (OR = 17). Multivariate analysis showed that SC was explained by craving (OR= 15.4) , and seeming suppressor effects by intention (OR=0.7) and the social context (OR= 0.5). Discussion: Low SES youth’ snack consumption seems mainly impulsive in nature at the end of the day, and may be triggered by the context.