Web-based intervention for changing attitudes of obesity among current and future teachers.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate attitude change among student teachers and schoolteachers when exposed to a Web-based educational module promoting size acceptance.


METHODS
Subjects were randomly assigned to a control group or 1 of 4 treatment groups to evaluate the effect of module, presenter credibility, and/or image on attitudes of obesity and processes of change using the Elaboration Likelihood Model (ELM) testing cognitive and psychological cues. On-line assessment occurred at the pretest, posttest, and 6-week follow-up.


METHODS
Web-based.


METHODS
258 adults, mean age 26.8 +/- 10.2 years.


METHODS
Module content included factors related to obesity, implications of weight loss efforts, classroom activities, and bias-free intervention techniques.


METHODS
Attitudes of obesity by the Anti-Fat Attitudes Test and the effect of the presenter using a bipolar rating scale.


METHODS
One-way repeated measures analysis of variance, analysis of covariance, and general post hoc analysis.


RESULTS
Negative attitudes decreased in treatment groups between pretest to posttest (P < .001) and pretest to follow-up (P < or = .006). Unlike the credible "nonfat" presenter, exposure to the credible "fat" presenter positively influenced attitude change (P = .031).


CONCLUSIONS
On-line communication of size acceptance improved attitudes of obesity long term. The findings support the ELM. The module demonstrates promise for teacher training in size sensitivity.
Hague
Anne L
AL
Dental Hygiene, Section of Primary Care, The Ohio State University, 305 W. 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43218, USA. hague.23@osu.edu
White
Adrienne A
AA
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001290:Attitude; D005178:Faculty; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D009765:Obesity / Q000523:psychology*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology