The impact of computer-tailored feedback and iterative feedback on fat, fruit, and vegetable intake

Health Educ Behav. 1998 Aug;25(4):517-31. doi: 10.1177/109019819802500409.

Abstract

A randomized trial was conducted to study the impact of individualized computer-generated nutrition information and additional effects of iterative feedback on changes in intake of fat, fruits, and vegetables. Respondents in the experimental group received computer-generated feedback letters tailored to their dietary intake, intentions, attitudes, self-efficacy expectations, and self-rated behavior. After the first feedback letter, half of the experimental group received additional iterative feedback tailored to changes in behavior and intentions. The control group received a single general nutrition information letter in a format similar to the tailored letters. Computer-tailored feedback had a significantly greater impact on fat reduction and fruit and vegetable intake than did general information. Iterative computer-tailored feedback had an additional impact on fat intake. The results confirm that computer-generated individualized feedback can be effective in inducing recommended dietary changes and that iterative feedback can increase the longer term impact of computer-tailored nutrition education on fat reduction.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Dietary Fats / administration & dosage*
  • Feedback*
  • Feeding Behavior* / psychology
  • Female
  • Fruit*
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Netherlands
  • Nutritional Requirements
  • Nutritional Sciences / education
  • Self Efficacy
  • Software*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Vegetables*

Substances

  • Dietary Fats