Abstract
BackgroundWeb-based computer-tailored interventions often suffer from small effect sizes and high drop-out rates, particularly among people with a low level of education. Using videos as a delivery format can possibly improve the effects and attractiveness of these interventionsObjectiveThe main aim of this study was to examine the effects of a video and text version of a Web-based computer-tailored obesity prevention intervention on dietary intake, physical activity, and body mass index (BMI) among Dutch adults. A second study aim was to examine differences in appreciation between the video and text version. The final study aim was to examine possible differences in intervention effects and appreciation per educational level.MethodsA three-armed randomized controlled trial was conducted with a baseline and 6 months follow-up measurement. The intervention consisted of six sessions, lasting about 15 minutes each. In the video version, the core tailored information was provided by means of videos. In the text version, the same tailored information was provided in text format. Outcome variables were self-reported and included BMI, physical activity, energy intake, and appreciation of the intervention. Multiple imputation was used to replace missing values. The effect analyses were carried out with multiple linear regression analyses and adjusted for confounders. The process evaluation data were analyzed with independent samples t tests.ResultsThe baseline questionnaire was completed by 1419 participants and the 6 months follow-up measurement by 1015 participants (71.53%). No significant interaction effects of educational level were found on any of the outcome variables. Compared to the control condition, the video version resulted in lower BMI (B=-0.25, P=.049) and lower average daily energy intake from energy-dense food products (B=-175.58, P<.001), while the text version had an effect only on energy intake (B=-163.05, P=.001). No effects on physical activity were found. Moreover, the video version was rated significantly better than the text version on feelings of relatedness (P=.041), usefulness (P=.047), and grade given to the intervention (P=.018).ConclusionsThe video version of the Web-based computer-tailored obesity prevention intervention was the most effective intervention and most appreciated. Future research needs to examine if the effects are maintained in the long term and how the intervention can be optimized.ClinicalTrialNetherlands Trial Register: NTR3501; http://www.trialregister.nl/trialreg/admin/rctview.asp?TC=3501 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6cBKIMaW1)
Highlights
Overweight and obesity rates have increased rapidly during the last 30 years [1,2]
Compared to the control condition, the video version resulted in lower body mass index (BMI) (B=-0.25, P=.049) and lower average daily energy intake from energy-dense food products (B=-175.58, P
The video version was rated significantly better than the text version on feelings of relatedness (P=.041), usefulness (P=.047), and grade given to the intervention (P=.018)
Summary
Overweight and obesity rates have increased rapidly during the last 30 years [1,2]. In 2008, around 900 million adults were overweight and 502 million were obese [3,4]. Because overweight and obesity affect large numbers of people, these interventions should have the possibility to reach many people in an efficacious yet cost-effective manner [11]. These interventions aim to change people’s health behavior by providing individually adapted information via the Internet [12] They can be disseminated among a large target population for relatively low costs [11]. Web-based computer-tailored interventions often suffer from high dropout rates that reach up to around 50% [21,22,23,24] These interventions in particular have problems reaching people with a low educational level—the people most in need of change [25]. Web-based computer-tailored interventions often suffer from small effect sizes and high drop-out rates, among people with a low level of education. Using videos as a delivery format can possibly improve the effects and attractiveness of these interventions
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
