A feasibility study of a WhatsApp-delivered Transtheoretical Model-based intervention to promote healthy eating habits for firefighters in Hong Kong: a cluster randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND: Firefighters’ health is often affected by a high prevalence of obesity and cardiovascular diseases, which are common risk factors for sudden cardiac death. The aim of this study is to investigate the feasibility of enhancing healthy eating habits in firefighters through an education programme. METHODS: This will be a cluster randomized control trial study. The participants will be assigned randomly into either control (health promotion pamphlet) or intervention (health promotion pamphlet and education materials through WhatsApp) groups. Changes in healthy eating habits will be assessed by a self-administered questionnaire and anthropometric measurements at three different time points. DISCUSSION: More education is required in order to improve firefighters’ eating habits. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN registry identifier: Registered on 8 April 2019 ISRCTN95472464.