Use and Effectiveness of a Video- and Text-Driven Web-Based Computer-Tailored Intervention: Randomized Controlled...

Area of Science:

• Digital Health
• Behavioral Science
• Obesity Prevention

Background:

• Web-based computer-tailored interventions often suffer from high dropout rates, limiting their effectiveness.
• Optimizing engagement in digital health interventions is crucial for public health impact.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if video format increases use of a Web-based computer-tailored obesity prevention intervention.
• To determine if matching intervention delivery to participant preference enhances intervention use.
• To examine if intervention use and format matching moderate intervention effects.
• To identify predictors of intervention use.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial compared video and text versions of a Web-based obesity prevention intervention.
• Intervention use was measured over 6 weekly sessions delivered over 3 months.
• Regression analyses assessed moderation by use and format matching, and identified predictors of use.

Main Results:

• No significant difference in intervention use between video and text formats.
• Intervention use was significantly higher when the delivery format matched participant preference.
• High BMI and positive intervention experiences (involvement, support) predicted greater intervention use.
• No significant moderation effects of use or format matching on intervention outcomes were found.

Conclusions:

• Video delivery does not enhance engagement in Web-based tailored interventions.
• Matching intervention delivery to user preference and fostering relatedness can increase intervention use.
• More research is needed to determine optimal session numbers for maximizing both use and effectiveness.