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Published on: August 1, 2019
A randomized clinical trial evaluating online interventions to improve fruit and vegetable consumption
Gwen L Alexander1, Jennifer B McClure, Josephine H Calvi
1Department of Biostatistics and Research Epidemiology, Henry Ford Hospital and Health Center, One Ford Place 5C, Detroit, MI 48202, USA.
American Journal of Public Health
|December 19, 2009
Summary
An online nutritional intervention significantly increased fruit and vegetable intake. A tailored intervention with motivational interviewing showed the greatest dietary change, demonstrating promise for population health.
Area of Science:
- Nutrition Science
- Behavioral Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Dietary interventions are crucial for public health.
- Online platforms offer scalable solutions for health promotion.
- Tailored interventions may enhance behavioral change.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effectiveness of an online untailored program versus tailored interventions for increasing fruit and vegetable intake.
- To evaluate the impact of motivational interviewing via email in conjunction with a tailored intervention.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 2540 participants aged 21-65 from five US health plans.
- Assessment of fruit and vegetable intake using a validated food frequency questionnaire at baseline and 3, 6, and 12 months.
- Comparison of mean change in daily servings across three intervention arms: untailored online, tailored online, and tailored online plus email counseling.
Main Results:
- Overall fruit and vegetable intake increased by over 2 servings per day across all groups (P<.001).
- The tailored intervention combined with email motivational interviewing (arm 3) yielded the largest increase (+2.8 servings, P=.05 vs. control).
- High program satisfaction was reported by participants, with 80% follow-up at 12 months.
Conclusions:
- Online nutritional interventions are well-received, convenient, and easily disseminated.
- Sustained dietary changes are achievable through these digital health programs.
- Population-based online dietary interventions show significant promise for improving public health outcomes.
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