Early adulthood (age 16-24) is important for developing diet and eating behaviours. This time is when many people first become overweight due to changes in diet and exercise habits. Many aspects of people’s lives are changing through early adulthood: changes in their living environment, moving from education into work, perhaps moving to a new city, and changes in friends and relationships. All of these changes may influence people’s diet and lifestyle.

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What were we hoping to find out?

This pilot study aimed to test how effective our recruitment methods are; how easy it was to use email and text invitations for questionnaires; and the completion rates of, the easiness to use, and appropriateness of the content in the questionnaires.

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How did we do this?

The DEBEAT-pilot study surveyed participants on their diet, eating behaviours, and living and working situations. This was achieved by asking participants to complete seven questionnaires over a fortnight. These questionnaires were being completed digitally through two online platforms, REDCap and Intake24.

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Who could have taken part?

We were recruiting 17-18 year-olds currently in their final year of school or college.

If you have any questions, please contact the study team at DEBEAT.Study@mrc-epid.cam.ac.uk.

Download the DEBEAT Participant Information Sheet.

View the DEBEAT-pilot Privacy Notice.