Individual characteristics associated with physical activity intervention delivery mode preferences among adults

Corneel Vandelanotte,Mitch J Duncan,Camille E Short

doi:10.1186/1479-5868-11-25

Abstract

BackgroundPeople have different preferences on how health behaviour change interventions are delivered to them; intervention implementation, retention and effectiveness may be improved if preferences can be matched.PurposeThis study aims to explore factors related to preference of face-to-face, and group-, print- or web-based physical activity intervention delivery modes among adults recruited from the general population.MethodsA question relating to physical activity intervention preference was included in the telephone administered 2010 Queensland Social Survey. Multinomial regression models were used to explore socio-demographic (e.g., age, marital status, location), health (e.g., BMI, chronic disease status) and behavioral factors (e.g., internet use, physical activity, diet, social networking) related to intervention preferences, using ‘a face-to-face intervention’ as the reference category.Results35.2% of those approached took part in the telephone interviews (n = 1,261). Preference for a web-based intervention was positively associated with being in the 35–44 age group (compared to the 18–34 age group; RR = 2.71), living in a rural area (RR = 2.01), and high internet use (RR = 1.03); and negatively associated with female gender (RR = 0.52), obesity (RR = 0.42), and higher physical activity participation (RR = 0.99). Preference for a print-based intervention was positively associated with older age (RR = 5.50); and negatively associated with female gender (RR = 0.48) and obesity (RR = 0.47). Preference for a group-based program was positively associated with living in a regional town (RR = 1.48) and negatively associated with being separated (RR = 0.45) and obesity (RR =0.56).ConclusionFindings from this study help to delineate what physical activity intervention delivery modes are likely to be appealing for specific target groups, especially in relation to people of different weight status, age, gender and living environment. As such, this information will be useful in the development of interventions targeted at these groups.

Highlights

People have different preferences on how health behaviour change interventions are delivered to them; intervention implementation, retention and effectiveness may be improved if preferences can be matched.Purpose: This study aims to explore factors related to preference of face-to-face, and group, print- or web-based physical activity intervention delivery modes among adults recruited from the general population
Findings from this study help to delineate what physical activity intervention delivery modes are likely to be appealing for specific target groups, especially in relation to people of different weight status, age, gender and living environment
This is a major public health concern, due to the health issues associated with physical inactivity and the health benefits that participating in regular physical activity confers [5]

Summary

Introduction

People have different preferences on how health behaviour change interventions are delivered to them; intervention implementation, retention and effectiveness may be improved if preferences can be matched.Purpose: This study aims to explore factors related to preference of face-to-face, and group-, print- or web-based physical activity intervention delivery modes among adults recruited from the general population. Common physical activity intervention delivery modalities include face-to-face counselling, group-sessions, and mediated approaches such as telephone, informationtechnology, print-based and mass-media interventions. These intervention types differ in effect-size, reach, and maintenance, and in their potential for public health impact [8]. Group-based interventions are conducted in a groupsetting, where participants can interact with each other and the group leader These interventions are often not adapted to individual’s needs but rather encourage behaviour change by increasing social support [8]. The effect-size of these interventions is often smaller than non-mediated approaches, the potential to impact public health may be greater given the ability to sustainably deliver the interventions in a consistent manner to large segments of the population [8]

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