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The Deep South Interactive Voice Response (IVR) System-Supported Active Lifestyle (DIAL) intervention shows efficacy
Dori Pekmezi1, Mohanraj Thirumalai2, Nashira I Brown1
1Department of Health Behavior, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, U.S., 35294.
American Journal of Preventive Medicine
|May 28, 2026
Summary
The Deep South Interactive Voice Response (IVR) System-Supported Active Lifestyle (DIAL) intervention significantly increased physical activity in rural Black women. This technology offers a scalable solution to reduce health disparities in underserved communities.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Health Disparities
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Physical inactivity is a major contributor to chronic diseases, particularly in underserved rural populations.
- The Deep South region faces significant health disparities, including lower physical activity levels.
- Novel, scalable interventions are needed to address these public health challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test the efficacy of the Deep South Interactive Voice Response (IVR) System-Supported Active Lifestyle (DIAL) intervention.
- To evaluate the impact of the DIAL intervention on moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in rural adults.
- To assess the intervention's ability to help participants meet national physical activity guidelines.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving 245 adults from rural Alabama.
- Participants were assigned to either the DIAL intervention or a wait-list control group.
- Moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was measured at baseline and 6 months using self-report questionnaires and accelerometers.
Main Results:
- The DIAL intervention group showed significantly greater increases in MVPA compared to the control group (over 60 min/week more).
- DIAL participants were significantly more likely to meet national physical activity guidelines based on Godin Leisure Time Exercise Questionnaire data (OR=5.38).
- While accelerometer data did not show significant differences, trends suggested increased MVPA in the DIAL arm.
Conclusions:
- The DIAL intervention is effective in increasing physical activity among rural Black women in the Deep South.
- IVR-automated phone counseling is a high-reach, low-cost strategy for promoting physical activity.
- The DIAL intervention shows promise for reducing physical inactivity and related health disparities in underserved rural communities.
