Evaluation of an interactive computer-tailored nutrition intervention in a real-life setting.
BACKGROUND
Studies testing Web-based computer-tailored education in real-life settings are now needed.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study is to examine the effectiveness and applicability of an interactive computer-tailored fat reduction intervention, which was previously tested as efficacious in a controlled setting, delivered to a broader population by local health promotion services. The impact of the computer-tailored intervention is compared with a generic intervention and with a no-intervention control group.


METHODS
A quasi-experimental design was used assigning 6 companies randomly to (a) the computer-tailored intervention condition, (b) the generic intervention condition, and (c) the no-intervention control condition. Participants (N = 337) completed validated baseline and posttest questionnaires and received the personal feedback immediately through the company's intranet. A structured interview with the project coordinators assessed the process that the companies had passed through to disseminate the fat intake intervention.


RESULTS
Six months postbaseline, the results showed that the computer-tailored intervention to reduce fat intake implemented through worksites was more effective in decreasing employees' fat intake compared with a generic intervention, F = 23.5, p < .001, or no intervention, F = 28.1, p < .001. Moreover, the dissemination strategy used is feasible for local health promotion services.


CONCLUSIONS
This study can be regarded as an effective "real-life" trial with an implementation strategy that can be used for large scale dissemination.
De Bourdeaudhuij
Ilse
I
Ghent University, Department of Movement and Sport Sciences, Belgium. Ilse.Debourdeaudhuij@UGent.be
Stevens
Veerle
V
Vandelanotte
Corneel
C
Brug
Johannes
J
D000328:Adult; D015992:Body Mass Index; D016251:CD-ROM; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction; D018752:Diet, Fat-Restricted / Q000523:psychology*; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods*; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012984:Software; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D017132:Workplace