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.

Key Words: Web-based, computer tailoring, nutrition education