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Personnel, HospitalEatGoodNCT06666296

Sustainable Eating for a Healthy Tomorrow - Effectiveness of Digital Nutrition Workshops to Implement the Planetary Health Diet for Hospital Employees

A study testing Digital collection of recipes, E-Mail-Newsletter and digital/hybrid teaching kitchen in people with Personnel, Hospital and Healthy Volunteers, run by Universität Duisburg-Essen at 1 site in Germany.

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
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Trial summary

The investigators will explore the effect of digital media on communicating a planetary diet and invite participants to change dietary habits. Standardized questionnaires, physical examinations, and qualitative interviews will be used to obtain data on the effectiveness of the intervention. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 years and olderHealthy volunteers can take part
Conditions the study is for
Personnel, Hospital, Healthy Volunteers
What is being tested?
Digital collection of recipes, E-Mail-Newsletter and digital/hybrid teaching kitchen
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
64 participants
Where
1 siteGermany
Study dates
7 Oct 2024to 29 Oct 2025
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
None posted in the registry

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 years and older
  • All sexes
  • Healthy volunteers accepted
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • Age from 18 years
  • Employee at the University Hospital Essen
  • A functioning smartphone
  • Moderate willingness (at least 5 points on NRS) to want to change diet
  • Access to digital media and social media

Who cannot join

  • Insufficient knowledge of the German language
  • Simultaneous participation in other clinical intervention studies

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

Germany1 site
  • Center for Integrative Medicine and Planetary Health, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen

    Essen

Other trials in Germany

About this study

The investigators will explore the effect of digital media on communicating a planetary diet and invite participants to change dietary habits. Standardized questionnaires, physical examinations, and qualitative interviews will be used to obtain data on the effectiveness of the intervention. Once initial assessments are complete, a blinded researcher will randomly assign participants to one of two groups, without influence from either participants or study coordinators.

Both groups will participate in a nutrition course over a 13-week period, followed by a booster session five months after randomization, and will be encouraged to practice the methods at home. One group will receive intensive support, including a digital training program (around 2 hours per week), while the other group will receive digital information and sustainable recipes with limited support (about 30 minutes per week).

Being tested
Digital collection of recipes, E-Mail-Newsletter, digital/hybrid teaching kitchen, Digital events (digital cafés), Social-Media

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Digital collection of recipesBehavioural

    The digital recipe collection is created for private use. This collection contains recipes for every meal of the day to ensure a Planetary Health Diet throughout the day. This includes digital weekly plans with corresponding dishes, including shopping lists, to simplify implementation in everyday life. This enables participants to make quick meal choices and simplify their shopping. Employees are encouraged to use this digital recipe collection to prepare their meals over a defined period of time. In addition, the kitchen management of the university hospital will be asked to assist with the creation of the recipes. The project benefits from the experience of the kitchen staff. Popular recipes can be used across projects.

  • E-Mail-NewsletterBehavioural

    The e-mail newsletter contains information on the Planetary Health Diet (background, urgency, goals, etc.). Regular contact by e-mail enables a fast, uncomplicated and personal exchange with the participants, uncomplicated and personal exchange with the participants. The e-mail support encourages participants to actively engage with the topic. The newsletter is supplemented by instructional kitchen videos (one person cooks a recipe from the recipe collection), checklists (e.g. "How sustainable am I already acting?"), tasks (e.g. three possible measures for a more sustainable diet) or food information (e.g. seasonal plan for fruit and vegetables). This provides participants with important information at regular intervals and ensures compliance.

  • digital/hybrid teaching kitchenBehavioural

    Recipes, cooking techniques, shopping tips and recommendations for implementing the Planetary Health Diet are taught in the digital/hybrid teaching kitchen. The focus here is on fun, good taste and interesting experiences. A shared experience can be created through such cooking events. The teaching kitchen events can be supplemented by the participation of the kitchen management in order to benefit from their special cooking skills and wealth of experience. The positive aspect of the digital training kitchen is the easy access to information, as this does not have to be read, but is conveyed visually.

  • Digital events (digital cafés)Behavioural

    Events are planned that will be set up via the "digital café" for in-depth discussions and exchanges about the content. Fixed dates are planned at which the study participants can meet digitally. In this protected setting, the topics of the study will be discussed in a convivial atmosphere. The personal exchange enables a deeper examination of the topic. The online events give participants the opportunity to interact directly with the study coordinators and other participants in order to effectively and sustainably change the participants' perception and awareness of sustainable nutrition through the various intervention points.

  • Social-MediaBehavioural

    A dedicated Instagram account for this project will be created for the center, where valuable content on the Planetary Health Diet will be shared regularly. The test subjects can also use this platform to exchange information.

Study groups in NCT06666296
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Intervention groupActive comparatorThe following digital measures are used to provide employees in the intervention group with comprehensive information at various levels and to create a sense of belonging: A digital recipe collection, an email newsletter, digital/hybrid teaching kitchen events and digital cafés with expert input and discussion groups. In addition, participants are provided with interesting information via the hospital's Instagram account and are constantly reminded of the campaign. When selecting the digital media, emphasis was placed on integrating different learning methods. Through self-learning content, such as the email newsletter, participants can absorb the information at their own pace, make a connection and evaluate it. The topics are then explored and discussed in greater depth in digital events. Individual priorities can be set in group discussions. Through regular input, participants experience a growth phase.
Receives: Behavioral: Digital collection of recipes; Behavioral: E-Mail-Newsletter; Behavioral: digital/hybrid teaching kitchen; Behavioral: Digital events (digital cafés); Behavioral: Social-Media
Control groupOtherThe control group will have access to the digital prescription collection, which is being developed on the basis of the Planetary Health Diet. In addition, the control group can use information on the clinic's Instagram account. In addition to access to the above-mentioned recipes and information via the Instagram channel, the intervention group receives additional digital support.
Receives: Behavioral: Digital collection of recipes; Behavioral: Social-Media

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Healthy Eating Habits - Healthy Plant-based Diet Index (hPDI)

    Changes in heathy eating habits are measured using a generally recognized Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) in the validated German DEGS-Version from the Robert Koch Institute, Germany. The DEGS comprises 53 questions and records the frequency of consumption of various food groups and drinks over a certain period of time. The following habits are assessed: healthy plant-based foods, less healthy plant-based foods and animal-based foods. The Helathy Plant-based Diet Index (hPDI) is calculated from the DEGS questionnaire. The score of the hPDI can range from 18 to 90, with a higher index reflecting a more plant-based and less animal-based diet.

    Measured: Month 3

Secondary outcomes (18)
  1. Healthy Eating Habits - Healthy Plant-based Diet Index (hPDI)

    Changes in heathy eating habits are measured using a generally recognized Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) in the validated German DEGS-Version from the Robert Koch Institute, Germany. The DEGS comprises 53 questions and records the frequency of consumption of various food groups and drinks over a certain period of time. The following habits are assessed: healthy plant-based foods, less healthy plant-based foods and animal-based foods. The Helathy Plant-based Diet Index (hPDI) is calculated from the DEGS questionnaire. The score of the hPDI can range from 18 to 90, with a higher index reflecting a more plant-based and less animal-based diet.

    Measured: Month 6

  2. Willingness to Change (PIAC)

    The questionnaire PIAC (Perception, intention and ability for change) questionnaire relates to the ability to change health behavior, habits and living conditions. The statements are based on respondents' experiences and cover various factors such as substance use, dietary habits, lack of exercise and disease-promoting behaviors. The PIAC contains 13 questions that can be answered at a scale from "strongly disagree" (0 points) to "strongly agree" (4 points). A higher score (0-52 range) shows a positive attitude, strong intent, and ability to adopt healthier behaviors.

    Measured: Month 3

  3. Willingness to Change (PIAC)

    The questionnaire PIAC (Perception, intention and ability for change) questionnaire relates to the ability to change health behavior, habits and living conditions. The statements are based on respondents' experiences and cover various factors such as substance use, dietary habits, lack of exercise and disease-promoting behaviors. The PIAC contains 13 questions that can be answered at a scale from "strongly disagree" (0 points) to "strongly agree" (4 points). A higher score (0-52 range) shows a positive attitude, strong intent, and ability to adopt healthier behaviors.

    Measured: Month 6

  4. Adaptive Coping with Disease (AKU)

    The questionnaire AKU (AKU is an acronym of the German translation of "Adaptive Coping with Disease") meassures active and adaptive behaviors to maintain health. It offers the opportunity to record and quantify the implementation of strategies to promote health in different contexts, taking into account both external influences and individual, internal convictions. We used one subsclae of the AKU (Conscious way of living), which consists of 5 questions and ranges from "Does not apply at all" (0 points) to "Applies exactly" (4 points). Therefore, the sum score ranges from 0-20. A high score indicates strong adaptive health behavior and good implementation of health-promoting strategies.

    Measured: Month 3

  5. Adaptive Coping with Disease (AKU)

    The questionnaire AKU (AKU is an acronym of the German translation of "Adaptive Coping with Disease") meassures active and adaptive behaviors to maintain health. It offers the opportunity to record and quantify the implementation of strategies to promote health in different contexts, taking into account both external influences and individual, internal convictions. We used one subsclae of the AKU (Conscious way of living), which consists of 5 questions and ranges from "Does not apply at all" (0 points) to "Applies exactly" (4 points). Therefore, the sum score ranges from 0-20. A high score indicates strong adaptive health behavior and good implementation of health-promoting strategies.

    Measured: Month 6

  6. Self-efficacy (HSSES)

    Health-specific self-efficacy scale (HSSES) meassures the confidence in the ability to accomplish certain health tasks, even if they are challenging. In the area of nutrition, self-efficacy can positively influence an intervention. HSSES is a set of 5 questions to be answered on a scale of 0-4: (0) very uncertain, (1) somewhat uncertain, (2) I cannot say, (3) somewhat certain, and (4) very certain. Therefore, the sum ranges between 0-20. A higher score on the HSSES indicates strong confidence in one's ability to change their diet, which can positively influence behavior.

    Measured: Month 3

  7. Self-efficacy (HSSES)

    Health-specific self-efficacy scale (HSSES) meassures the confidence in the ability to accomplish certain health tasks, even if they are challenging. In the area of nutrition, self-efficacy can positively influence an intervention. HSSES is a set of 5 questions to be answered on a scale of 0-4: (0) very uncertain, (1) somewhat uncertain, (2) I cannot say, (3) somewhat certain, and (4) very certain. Therefore, the sum ranges between 0-20. A higher score on the HSSES indicates strong confidence in one's ability to change their diet, which can positively influence behavior.

    Measured: Month 6

  8. Quality of Life (WHO-5)

    The WHO-5 Index (Well-being index of the WHO) is a self-assessment method for measuring quality of life. Participants answers 5 questions on a six-point Likert scale (from 0 = "At no time" to 5 = "All the time"). The sum score is calculated by adding up the 5 item values, with higher values indicating better quality of life. Therefore, a score to be achieved is between 0-25.

    Measured: Month 3

  9. Quality of Life (WHO-5)

    The WHO-5 Index (Well-being index of the WHO) is a self-assessment method for measuring quality of life. Participants answers 5 questions on a six-point Likert scale (from 0 = "At no time" to 5 = "All the time"). The sum score is calculated by adding up the 5 item values, with higher values indicating better quality of life. Therefore, a score to be achieved is between 0-25.

    Measured: Month 6

  10. Environmental and Climate Behavior (YCSCB)

    The YCSCB (Young Consumers' Sustainable Consumption Behavior) scale is used to meassure the respondent's sustainable consumption behavior. The questionnaire contains 14 short questions that can be answered in four categories: "never" (0 points), "sometimes" (1 points), "often" (2 points) and "always" (3 points). Therefore, a score between 0-51 points can be achieved. A higher score on the YCSCB indicates a strong sustainable behavior.

    Measured: Month 3

  11. Environmental and Climate Behavior (YCSCB)

    The YCSCB (Young Consumers' Sustainable Consumption Behavior) scale is used to meassure the respondent's sustainable consumption behavior. The questionnaire contains 14 short questions that can be answered in four categories: "never" (0 points), "sometimes" (1 points), "often" (2 points) and "always" (3 points). Therefore, a score between 0-51 points can be achieved. A higher score on the YCSCB indicates a strong sustainable behavior.

    Measured: Month 6

  12. Body Mass Index (BMI)

    The measurement of body weight is a fundamental indicator of overall health and can provide insights into potential health risks. Increased body weight and therefore Body Mass Index (BMI) may indicate overweight or obesity, which is associated with a higher risk of various diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. Regular weight monitoring allows for the early detection of changes in body weight, enabling the implementation of preventive measures if necessary. Body weight is therefore measured on a calibrated and validated scale, while wearing only underwear. BMI ranges are categorized as follows: underweight: <18.5, normal weight: 18.5-24.9, overweight: 25-29.9, obesity: ≥30.

    Measured: Month 3

  13. Body Mass Index (BMI)

    The measurement of body weight is a fundamental indicator of overall health and can provide insights into potential health risks. Increased body weight and therefore Body Mass Index (BMI) may indicate overweight or obesity, which is associated with a higher risk of various diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. Regular weight monitoring allows for the early detection of changes in body weight, enabling the implementation of preventive measures if necessary. Body weight is therefore measured on a calibrated and validated scale, while wearing only underwear. BMI ranges are categorized as follows: underweight: <18.5, normal weight: 18.5-24.9, overweight: 25-29.9, obesity: ≥30.

    Measured: Month 6

  14. Body weight

    Body weight measurement is a fundamental indicator of overall health and can provide valuable insights into potential health risks. A persistent increase in body weight can indicate overweight or obesity, which are associated with an elevated risk of various diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and metabolic disorders. Conversely, unintended weight loss may point to underlying health issues such as malnutrition or chronic illness. Regular monitoring of body weight allows for early detection of such changes, supporting timely preventive or therapeutic interventions. Body weight is measured using a calibrated and validated scale, while the participant wears only underwear.

    Measured: Month 3

  15. Body weight

    Body weight measurement is a fundamental indicator of overall health and can provide valuable insights into potential health risks. A persistent increase in body weight can indicate overweight or obesity, which are associated with an elevated risk of various diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and metabolic disorders. Conversely, unintended weight loss may point to underlying health issues such as malnutrition or chronic illness. Regular monitoring of body weight allows for early detection of such changes, supporting timely preventive or therapeutic interventions. Body weight is measured using a calibrated and validated scale, while the participant wears only underwear

    Measured: Month 6

  16. Waist Circumference

    The measurement of waist circumference plays a crucial role in assessing the risk of metabolic syndrome and current health status. By determining waist circumference, the distribution of body fat and the mass of visceral fat (abdominal fat) can be evaluated, enabling an individual risk assessment of concomitant diseases. Abdominal obesity, characterized by an increased proportion of visceral fat, is associated with a higher risk of metabolic and cardiovascular health issues. Waist measurement is independent of body size and offers insights into intra-abdominal fat mass and total body fat. Women: low risk: <80 cm, increased risk: 80-88 cm, highly increased risk: >88 cm. Men: low risk: <94 cm, increased risk: 94-102 cm, highly increased risk.

    Measured: Month 3

  17. Waist Circumference

    The measurement of waist circumference plays a crucial role in assessing the risk of metabolic syndrome and current health status. By determining waist circumference, the distribution of body fat and the mass of visceral fat (abdominal fat) can be evaluated, enabling an individual risk assessment of concomitant diseases. Abdominal obesity, characterized by an increased proportion of visceral fat, is associated with a higher risk of metabolic and cardiovascular health issues. Waist measurement is independent of body size and offers insights into intra-abdominal fat mass and total body fat. Women: low risk: <80 cm, increased risk: 80-88 cm, highly increased risk: >88 cm. Men: low risk: <94 cm, increased risk: 94-102 cm, highly increased risk.

    Measured: Month 6

  18. Adverse events (AEs)

    Safety was operationalized as the number of (participants with) adverse events (AE) or study withdrawals due to AEs. AEs were defined as any untoward medical occurrence in a participant, which did not have to have a defined causal relationship with the treatment being studied. Cases of any untoward medical occurrence that, at any dose, resulted in death, were life-threatening, required inpatient hospitalization, or caused persistent or significant disability were assessed as serious AEs.

    Measured: Month 0 to 3 (during intervention)

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted30 Oct 2024
  2. Study start7 Oct 2024
  3. Primary completion12 Aug 2025
  4. Study completion29 Oct 2025

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Prevention
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Masking
Single blind
Who is masked
Outcomes assessor
Enrolment
64 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT06666296
Sponsor's protocol ID
24-11823-BO
Acronym
EatGood
Status last verified
Nov 2025
First submitted
29 Oct 2024
Last updated
25 Nov 2025
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Digital collection of recipes, E-Mail-Newsletter and digital/hybrid teaching kitchen in people with Personnel, Hospital and Healthy Volunteers, run by Universität Duisburg-Essen at 1 site in Germany.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 5 inclusion and 2 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 25 Nov 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in Germany. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Healthy Eating Habits - Healthy Plant-based Diet Index (hPDI) (time frame: Month 3). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 25 Nov 2025.

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