The method of delivery of nutrition and physical activity information may play a role in eliciting behavior changes in adolescents.
OBJECTIVE
Motivating adolescents to adopt proper nutrition and physical activity behaviors is important in this nation's fight to prevent obesity and chronic diseases. This study was conducted to determine which health education delivery method would elicit a greater behavior change.


METHODS
The intervention was conducted in three schools (control, computer-based, and traditional education).


RESULTS
Students who received the computer-based intervention showed increased knowledge (p<0.001), physical activity (p=0.001), self-efficacy (p<0.001), and social support (p<0.001), and decreased meals skipped (p<0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
The computer-based group showed more positive behavior changes. However, future programs may be enhanced by including group discussion and individual feedback.
Casazza
Krista
K
Florida International University, College of Health and Urban Affairs, Department of Dietetics and Nutrition, HLS 450, University Park, Miami, Florida 33199, USA. krista1313@msn.com
Ciccazzo
Michele
M
D000293:Adolescent; D001521:Behavior Therapy; D015992:Body Mass Index; D016251:CD-ROM; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction; D015930:Diet Records; D015444:Exercise / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D005518:Food Preferences / Q000523:psychology*; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009765:Obesity / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012944:Social Support