The efficacy of Web-based and print-delivered computer-tailored interventions to reduce fat intake: results of a randomized, controlled trial

Abstract

Objective: To test and compare the efficacy of interactive- and print-delivered computer-tailored nutrition education targeting saturated fat intake reduction.

Design: A 3-group randomized, controlled trial (2003-2005) with posttests at 1 and 6 months post-intervention.

Setting: Worksites and 2 neighborhoods in the urban area of Rotterdam.

Participants: A convenience sample of healthy Dutch adults (n = 442).

Interventions: An interactive, computer-tailored intervention delivered on a CD-ROM (interactive-tailored condition); a print-delivered, computer-tailored intervention (print-tailored condition); and print-delivered, generic information.

Main outcome measures: Total and saturated fat intake (grams/day and percentage-energy) and energy intake per day assessed with validated food frequency questionnaires at 1 and 6 months post-intervention.

Analysis: Multilevel linear regression analyses.

Results: Mean total fat, saturated fat, and energy intakes were significantly lower in both tailored conditions compared to the generic condition at 1-month follow-up. These differences were still significant for the print-tailored condition at 6-months follow-up. Effects were most pronounced among participants with unfavorable fat intakes at baseline. There were no significant differences between the 2 tailoring conditions.

Conclusions and implications: The results indicate that interactive and print-delivered computer-tailored interventions can have similar short-term effects on fat intake and that the effects of the print-delivered tailored feedback are maintained in the longer term.