Efficacy and use of an internet-delivered computer-tailored lifestyle intervention, targeting saturated fat intake, physical activity and smoking cessation: a randomized controlled trial.
BACKGROUND
Although experts claim that computer-tailored interventions provided over the Internet have great potential to promote health behavior change, few studies have tested the efficacy of computer-tailored lifestyle interventions online-delivered over the Internet.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the short-term (1 month) efficacy of an Internet-delivered, computer-tailored lifestyle intervention targeting saturated fat intake, physical activity (PA), and smoking cessation, and to evaluate exposure to the intervention.


METHODS
A pretest-posttest randomized controlled trial with an intervention group and a no intervention waiting list control group was conducted. Self-reported behavior and determinants were assessed at baseline and 1 month follow-up. Exposure to the intervention was monitored through server registrations. The data were analyzed using multiple linear and logistic regression analysis.


RESULTS
The intervention resulted in a significantly lower self-reported saturated fat intake (b = -0.76, p < 0.01) and a higher likelihood of meeting the PA guidelines among respondents who were insufficiently active at baseline (OR = 1.34, 95%CI = 1.001-1.80). No significant intervention effects were found for self-reported smoking status. Of the participants, 81% actually visited the website.


CONCLUSIONS
The Internet-delivered, computer-tailored lifestyle intervention was effective in reducing self-reported saturated fat intake and in increasing self-reported PA among participants who completed the study.
Oenema
Anke
A
Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands. a.oenema@erasmusmc.nl
Brug
Johannes
J
Dijkstra
Arie
A
de Weerdt
Inge
I
de Vries
Hein
H
D000328:Adult; D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D018752:Diet, Fat-Restricted; D015444:Exercise; D005227:Fatty Acids / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009426:Netherlands; D010352:Patient Dropouts; D016540:Smoking Cessation / Q000379:methods*; D012984:Software; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013813:Therapy, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D005227:Fatty Acids