User attitudes toward a physical activity promotion website

Abstract

Background: The goal of the present study was to examine participants' perceptions of a theory-driven, physical activity promotion website.

Methods: Participants in the present study were individuals in the website condition of a randomized trial designed to test the efficacy of the website. At 1 month, participants were surveyed regarding their self-report of barriers, frequency of use, and helpfulness of the website.

Results: Overall, 30 worksite participants were randomized to the website condition and 24 (80%) completed the survey at 1 month. The main barrier to using the website was a "lack of time" (63%). No participants endorsed trouble using the website, a lack of interest in using the internet, or a lack of interest in changing their activity level as barriers to using the website. Furthermore, most sections of the website were found to be "helpful." Patterns of use and perceived utility differed by readiness to become active. For example, more respondents in the "preparation" stage at baseline reported using the overall website, in addition to the "becoming active" and "physical activity and health" sections, than those in the "contemplation" stage at baseline. Perceived utility and frequency of use of specific sections were often divergent, where some sections were rated more helpful and used less frequently (the "Overcoming Barriers" section, for example), while the reverse was true for other sections (the "Walking Fitness Test" section, for example).

Conclusion: In conclusion, the website was well accepted and few barriers were noted. Areas of the website that were used less frequently or found to be less helpful will become areas of focus for future iterations of the site.