title: An open trial of self-help behaviours of clients with eating disorders in an online programme.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to evaluate the self-help behaviour of individuals with eating disorders in an Internet-based self-help programme developed in the Asia-Pacific region and to determine their compliance with the programme.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Eating disorders represent a growing health problem affecting both Western and Asian countries. Without timely and adequate treatment, individuals with eating disorders are at risk of premature death. Self-help approaches for treating eating disorders offer therapeutic promise.
  
  
  METHODS
  An open trial design was used.
  
  
  METHODS
  This study, conducted from August 2006-July 2011, included 280 participants recruited from outpatient eating disorder clinics and treatment units and through a university student newspaper and Internet websites. This open trial evaluated an Internet-based self-help programme, which included components on healthy eating, family education, health assessment, motivation enhancement, self-help strategies, and psychological health promotion. The progress of participants was followed up via monthly e-mails. A tracking system was implemented to determine their compliance with the programme.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A small majority of the participants (56·9%) were already undergoing treatment for their eating disorders. About 63% (n = 176) demonstrated self-help behaviour, as manifested by their completion of health assessment questionnaires, involvement in motivation enhancement exercises, or the use of self-help strategies such as monitoring, normalizing eating behaviour, and stress management. Improvements were observed in their eating disorder psychopathology, motivational stage of change and psychological health from baseline to the 1-month follow up.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Internet-based self-help programmes for eating disorders are helpful adjuncts to professional treatment.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China. hsfong@inet.polyu.edu.hk
authors.forename: Sau Fong
authors.initials: SF
authors.lastname: Leung
authors.forename: Lai Chong Joyce
authors.initials: LC
authors.lastname: Ma
authors.forename: Janice
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Russell
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009862:Online Systems; D012648:Self Care