Abstract
BackgroundWeb-based interventions typically have small intervention effects on adults’ health behavior because they primarily target processes leading to an intention to change leaving individuals in an intention-behavior gap, they often occur without contact with health care providers, and a limited amount of feedback is provided only at the beginning of these interventions, but not further on in the behavior change process. Therefore, we developed a Web-based intervention (“MyPlan 1.0”) to promote healthy behavior in adults. The intervention was based on a self-regulation perspective that also targets postintentional processes and guides individuals during all phases of behavior change.ObjectiveThe study investigated the effectiveness of MyPlan1.0 on fruit and vegetable intake of Flemish adults visiting general practice (3 groups: control group, intervention group recruited by researchers, and intervention group recruited and guided by general practitioners [GPs]). Second, it examined whether there was a larger intervention effect for the intervention group guided by GPs compared to the intervention group recruited by researchers.MethodsAdults (≥18 years) were recruited in 19 Flemish general practices. In each general practice, patients were systematically allocated by a researcher either for the intervention group (researchers’ intervention group) or the waiting-list control group that received general advice. In a third group, the GP recruited adults for the intervention (GPs intervention group). The two intervention groups filled in evaluation questionnaires and received MyPlan 1.0 for a behavior of choice (fruit, vegetable, or physical activity). The waiting-list control group filled in the evaluation questionnaires and received only general information. Self-reported fruit and vegetable intake were assessed at baseline (T0), 1 week (T1), and 1 month (T2) postbaseline. Three-level (general practice, adults, time) linear regression models were conducted in MLwiN.ResultsA total of 426 adults initially agreed to participate (control group: n=149; GPs’ intervention group: n=41; researchers’ intervention group: n=236). A high attrition rate was observed in both intervention groups (71.8%, 199/277) and in the control group (59.1%, 88/149). In comparison to no change in the control group, both the GPs’ intervention group (fruit: χ2 1=10.9, P=.004; vegetable: χ2 1=5.3, P=.02) and the researchers’ intervention group (fruit: χ2 1=18.0, P=.001; vegetable: χ2 1=12.8, P<.001) increased their intake of fruit and vegetables.ConclusionsA greater increase in fruit and vegetable intake was found when the Web-based intervention MyPlan 1.0 was used compared to usual care of health promotion in general practice (ie, flyers with general information). However, further investigation on which (or combinations of which) behavior change techniques are effective, how to increase response rates, and the influence of delivery mode in routine practice is required.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT02211040; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02211040 (Archived by WebCite® at http://www.webcitation.org/6f8yxTRii)
Highlights
A healthy diet, a diet rich in fruit and vegetables, can prevent chronic diseases in adults [1]
A greater increase in fruit and vegetable intake was found when the Web-based intervention MyPlan 1.0 was used compared to usual care of health promotion in general practice
104 adults were in intervention group 1 (GPs’ intervention group), 328 in intervention group 2, and 183 in the control group at baseline (T0)
Summary
A healthy diet, a diet rich in fruit and vegetables, can prevent chronic diseases (eg, hypertension, coronary heart disease, diabetes) in adults [1]. The World Health Organization recommends adults to consume at least 5 portions or 400 g of fruit and vegetables per day [2]. 78% of the adult population worldwide consumes less than 5 portions of vegetables and fruit daily [3]. Western adults (in Belgium, Luxembourg, France, Ireland, The Netherlands, Great Britain) consume, on average, only 129 g of fruit and vegetables per day [1]. In Belgium, adults are recommended to consume 3 portions of fruit and 300 g of vegetables per day. Only 38% and 47% of Belgian adults fulfill these norms for fruit and vegetable intake [4]. An effective intervention to promote fruit and vegetable intake is needed. We developed a Web-based intervention (“MyPlan 1.0”) to promote healthy behavior in adults. The intervention was based on a self-regulation perspective that targets postintentional processes and guides individuals during all phases of behavior change
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 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.
