Biomarker Evaluation Does Not Confirm Efficacy of Computer-tailored Nutrition Education

Abstract 

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy of computer-tailored nutrition education with objective outcome measures.

Design

A 3-group randomized, controlled trial 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

A computer-tailored intervention delivered on CD-ROM; a computer-tailored intervention delivered in print; and a generic information condition.

Main Outcome Measures

Blood lipids (total, high-density lipoprotein, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triacylglycerol) were measured by analyzing venous blood samples.

Analysis

Linear mixed model procedure.

Results

There were no significant differences among the 3 intervention groups in total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triacylglycerol.

Conclusions and Implications

Contrary to results based on self-report data, no effects of the computer-tailored interventions were found based on objective outcomes. This contradiction calls for a critical reflection on the use of computer-tailored nutrition education interventions and the need to improve those interventions. Furthermore, this study indicates that feasible methods are needed to objectively assess the impact of computer-tailored nutrition education interventions in free-living subjects.

Key Words: information science, nutrition education, biological markers, lipoproteins