The reach of a computer-tailored nutrition education program in the Dutch heart health community intervention "Hartslag Limburg".
OBJECTIVE
To study the reach of an efficacious, computer-tailored nutrition education tool in a field setting.


METHODS
Data from self-administered questionnaires were used.


METHODS
The computer-tailored nutrition education tool (CTT) was adopted by a regional public health service organization and implemented in a regional heart-health community project.


METHODS
The 1293 inhabitants of the region that requested the computer nutrition education tool during a 25-month implementation period.


METHODS
Demographic characteristics; intake of fat, fruit, and vegetables; and psychosocial behavioral determinants.


METHODS
Descriptive statistics.


RESULTS
The CTT reached almost 1% of the targeted population. Most participants were female (82%), and almost half were low educated. Many participants had diets higher in fat and lower in fruits and vegetables than recommended, were unaware of their unfavorable diets, and had low self-efficacy and intentions towards change.


CONCLUSIONS
Only a small, but possibly important, part of the target population was reached. Additional ways to reach more people should be explored.
van Assema
Patricia
P
Department of Health Education and Promotion, Maastricht University, The Netherlands. p.vanassema@gvo.unimaas.nl
Ronda
Gaby
G
Steenbakkers
Mieke
M
Quaedvlieg
Marianne
M
Brug
Johannes
J
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D018672:Community Health Planning / Q000379:methods; D003153:Community Health Services / Q000379:methods*; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction / Q000379:methods*; D004032:Diet / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009426:Netherlands; D009751:Nutritional Requirements; D015397:Program Evaluation / Q000379:methods*; D011635:Public Health Administration; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires