The Efficacy of Web-based and Print-delivered Computer-tailored Interventions to Reduce Fat Intake: Results of a Randomized, Controlled Trial
Abstract
Objective
To test and compare the efficacy of interactive- and print-delivered computer-tailored nutrition education targeting saturated fat intake reduction.
Design
A 3-group randomized, controlled trial (2003-2005) with posttests at 1 and 6 months post-intervention.
Setting
Worksites and 2 neighborhoods in the urban area of Rotterdam.
Participants
A convenience sample of healthy Dutch adults (n = 442).
Interventions
An interactive, computer-tailored intervention delivered on a CD-ROM (interactive-tailored condition); a print-delivered, computer-tailored intervention (print-tailored condition); and print-delivered, generic information.
Main Outcome Measures
Total and saturated fat intake (grams/day and percentage-energy) and energy intake per day assessed with validated food frequency questionnaires at 1 and 6 months post-intervention.
Analysis
Multilevel linear regression analyses.
Results
Mean total fat, saturated fat, and energy intakes were significantly lower in both tailored conditions compared to the generic condition at 1-month follow-up. These differences were still significant for the print-tailored condition at 6-months follow-up. Effects were most pronounced among participants with unfavorable fat intakes at baseline. There were no significant differences between the 2 tailoring conditions.
Conclusions and Implications
The results indicate that interactive and print-delivered computer-tailored interventions can have similar short-term effects on fat intake and that the effects of the print-delivered tailored feedback are maintained in the longer term.
1Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
2Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
3Instituut voor Extramuraal Geneeskundig Onderzoek, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Address for correspondence: Willemieke Kroeze, MPH, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Department of Public Health, P.O. Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Phone: 31-10-408-92-53; Fax: 31-10-463-84-74
This study was funded by ZonMw, The Netherlands Organization for Health Research and Development.
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