Using web-based familial risk information for diabetes prevention: a randomized controlled trial.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Preventive Medicine
• Health Behavior Research

Background:

• Family history is a potential motivator for health-promoting behaviors.
• Assessing the impact of web-based familial risk information on diabetes prevention behaviors is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate if web-based familial risk information improves self-reported risk-reducing behaviors in individuals with a diabetic family history.
• To ensure the tool does not cause false reassurance in individuals without a family history of diabetes.

Main Methods:

• 1,174 healthy adults (BMI ≥ 25, aged 35-65) were randomized into control and intervention groups.
• The intervention group received tailored diabetes prevention information and familial risk information via a web tool.
• Outcomes included self-reported fat intake, physical activity, diabetes testing attitudes, and risk perceptions.

Main Results:

• Familial risk information reduced diabetes risk worries and saturated fat intake in low-educated, high-risk individuals.
• No overall improvement in risk-reducing behaviors was observed for the total study population.
• A detailed family history questionnaire identified more individuals at familial risk than a simple inquiry.

Conclusions:

• Web-based familial risk information effectively reduced worry and specific unhealthy behaviors in high-risk groups.
• The intervention was not universally effective in improving overall risk-reducing behaviors.
• The tool accurately identified familial risk without inducing false reassurance in those without a family history.