Nudges para escolhas alimentares saudáveis

Abstract

The nudge concept refers to low-cost interventions performed in the environment where people make decisions. Nudge interventions aim to direct people towards a certain choice, in a predictable way, without restricting options, they have been used to promote healthy eating. The present thesis is divided into two studies and its general objective was to investigate the effectiveness of nudges in promoting healthy food choices. The first specific objective was to identify the state of the art and research gaps on how nudges have been used to promote healthy food choices. The second specific objective was to evaluate whether clustered nudges influence adults in changing behavior and eating habits in order to increase fruit consumption. The Scopus database was used to search for articles and the PRISMA tool to communicate the study selection flowchart in a clear and organized manner. The results of the review indicated that most of the nudges used were effective in influencing the target audience towards healthy food choices. Based on the results of the review carried out, it was proposed to carry out a field experiment for 17 weeks. As a specific objective, the study identified the participants' perception of the nudges that were applied. In order to achieve the proposed objectives, a group of nudges (grouped) was prepared in two formats: 1) physical nudges created to be applied in the participants' homes, consisting of five items: booklet, personalized container for storing and consuming fruits, fridge magnet, notebook and pen; 2) digital nudges created to be sent via messaging apps. The method used to measure fruit consumption was the adapted Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). T Student Test of Repeated Measures and Linear Regression were used for data analysis. The results of the field experiment showed that there was an increase in fruit consumption only in the first week of intervention. Although participants believed that the interventions influenced fruit consumption, the pooled nudges were not effective in changing behavior/habit regarding fruit consumption. Implications of the results of both studies are relevant, the first study presented a holistic view on the types of nudges applied in the food context that have been effective. The second study presented two innovations; the application of nudges inside homes and digital nudges via WhatsApp. Future studies should explore the insights for the elaboration of new research. Suggestions for future interventions are discussed.