Volume 40, Issue 4 , Pages 226-236, July 2008
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
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This study was funded by ZonMw, The Netherlands Organization for Health Research and Development.
Continuing Education Questionnaire available at www.sne.org/ Meets Learning Need Codes for RDs and DTRs 4010, 6050, and 4000.
PII: S1499-4046(07)00987-6
doi:10.1016/j.jneb.2007.09.008
© 2008 SOCIETY FOR NUTRITION EDUCATION. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Volume 40, Issue 4 , Pages 226-236, July 2008
