Cardiovascular disease affects more than 4 million Australians and accounts for the second largest share of health expenditure at ~$12 billion per annum. Our preliminary data show that ~30% of male and 8% of female university students <25 years of age have above-normal blood pressures at ≥130 mmHg and/or diastolic ≥85 mmHg, which is an established risk for future cardiovascular events (RR 1.35).

Furthermore, 20-40% of Australian university students are overweight or obese and ~20% have insulin resistance, 90% do not meet fruit or vegetable recommendations, and 20-40% do not achieve sufficient physical activity. Indeed, young adults today have the worst cardiovascular risk profile in history, yet they are severely under-represented in risk reduction strategies. Novelty of the proposed intervention is delivery via learning management systems (LMS).

Current digital interventions utilise phone apps, messaging, and specific websites; often requiring simultaneous engagement with multiple modalities, and user time and commitment to learn their operation. LMS have been designed to deliver engaging learning materials, which are already accessed by students on an almost-daily basis. LMS can be leveraged for intervention delivery, with no requirement to learn its operation and content tailored to a specific groups’ needs and preferences. Importantly, irrespective of delivery, embedding of behaviour change theories and stakeholder involvement in digital behaviour change interventions have shown greater efficacy with respect to increasing vegetable intake in adults. This project will co-design and pilot a digital behaviour change intervention delivered via Canvas for UniSC students.

The candidate will be trained in writing systematic reviews, analyses of both quantitative and qualitative health behaviour data, intervention co-design with a focus on evidence-based behaviour change techniques and facilitation of co-creator working groups, dietary assessment (online recalls), physical activity and sedentary behaviour assessments (survey and accelerometer), and vascular function measures. Supervision will be led by Dr Linda Gallo and Prof Chris Askew, and likely 1-2 other members of the research team to ensure project outcomes are achieved.

We are seeking a candidate who has a strong interest in the links between lifestyle behaviours and physical wellbeing, particularly in relation to cardiovascular health. The candidate should be intrinsically motivated to learn and achieve set goals; have excellent attention to detail, organisational, and time-management skills; have a willingness to collaborate with the research team, participants, and other stakeholders; and demonstrate resilience to overcome challenges.