Impact of online, video-based wellness training on Girl Scout leaders’ wellness promotion self-efficacy, intention, and knowledge: A pilot randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Objective: To examine the effectiveness of tailored, online, video-based training on Girl Scout troop leaders’ wellness promotion self-efficacy, intention, and knowledge regarding physical activity and fruit and vegetable practices during troop meetings. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Methods: Thirty Girl Scouts leaders were randomized to control (CON; n = 16) or intervention (INT; n = 14) conditions. INT leaders received six online weekly training videos on implementation of physical activity (PA) and fruit and vegetable (FV) practices during troop meetings. Videos addressed leader-identified improvement areas and strategies to overcome barriers. Leaders set PA and FV goals for upcoming meetings and self-monitored their progress. Questionnaires were completed at baseline and post-intervention on leaders’ task and barrier self-efficacy, intention, and knowledge regarding meeting-time PA and FV practices. Results: INT leaders increased PA practices barrier self-efficacy (INT = 16.5 ± 24.1%, CON = −4.8 ± 21.5%; p = 0.036), vegetable practices self-efficacy (INT = 10.3 ± 13.3%, CON = −3.5 ± 28.9%; p = 0.049), and FV practices barrier self-efficacy (INT = 12.4 ± 4.6%, CON = 1.6 ± 28.7%; p = 0.036), when compared to CON leaders. There were no changes (p > 0.05) in PA or FV knowledge. Conclusions and implications: Results suggest the potential for using online video-based training for improvements in wellness-promoting practices of Girl Scout troop leaders.

Keywords

• wellness promotion| nutrition| physical activity| wellness training