Six-month follow-up and participant use and satisfaction of an electronic mail intervention promoting physical activity and nutrition.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effects of a 12-week e-mail intervention promoting physical activity and nutrition, and to describe participant use and satisfaction feedback.


METHODS
A longitudinal, randomized trial.


METHODS
Five large workplaces in Alberta, Canada.


METHODS
One thousand forty-three participants completed all three assessments, and 1263 participants in the experimental group provided use and satisfaction feedback after receiving the 12-week intervention.


METHODS
Paired physical activity and nutrition messages were e-mailed weekly to the experimental group. The control group received all messages in bulk (i.e., within a single e-mail message) at the conclusion of the intervention.


METHODS
Self-report measures of knowledge, cognitions, and behaviors related to physical activity and nutrition were used. Satisfaction with e-mail messages was assessed at Time 2.


METHODS
Planned contrasts compared the experimental group measures at Time 3 with those reported at Time 2 and with control group measures reported at Time 3. Control group measures at Time 3 were also compared with control group measures at Time 2.


RESULTS
The small intervention effects previously reported between Time 1 and Time 2 were maintained at Time 3. Providing the e-mail messages in bulk also had a significant positive effect on many of the physical activity and nutrition variables.


CONCLUSIONS
E-mail offers a promising medium for promoting health-enhancing knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors. Additional research is needed to determine optimal message dose and content.
Plotnikoff
Ronald C
RC
Centre for Health Promotion Studies, School of Public Health, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. ron.plotnikoff@ualberta.ca
Pickering
Michael A
MA
McCargar
Linda J
LJ
Loucaides
Constantinos A
CA
Hugo
Kylie
K
D000416:Alberta; D034742:Electronic Mail; D005260:Female; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity; D009752:Nutritional Status; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011594:Psychometrics; D040241:Social Marketing; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D017132:Workplace