Comparing a Video and Text Version of a Web-Based Computer-Tailored Intervention for Obesity Prevention: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

BackgroundWeb-based computer-tailored interventions often suffer from small effect sizes and high drop-out rates, particularly among people with a low level of education. Using videos as a delivery format can possibly improve the effects and attractiveness of these interventionsObjectiveThe main aim of this study was to examine the effects of a video and text version of a Web-based computer-tailored obesity prevention intervention on dietary intake, physical activity, and body mass index (BMI) among Dutch adults. A second study aim was to examine differences in appreciation between the video and text version. The final study aim was to examine possible differences in intervention effects and appreciation per educational level.MethodsA three-armed randomized controlled trial was conducted with a baseline and 6 months follow-up measurement. The intervention consisted of six sessions, lasting about 15 minutes each. In the video version, the core tailored information was provided by means of videos. In the text version, the same tailored information was provided in text format. Outcome variables were self-reported and included BMI, physical activity, energy intake, and appreciation of the intervention. Multiple imputation was used to replace missing values. The effect analyses were carried out with multiple linear regression analyses and adjusted for confounders. The process evaluation data were analyzed with independent samples t tests.ResultsThe baseline questionnaire was completed by 1419 participants and the 6 months follow-up measurement by 1015 participants (71.53%). No significant interaction effects of educational level were found on any of the outcome variables. Compared to the control condition, the video version resulted in lower BMI (B=-0.25, P=.049) and lower average daily energy intake from energy-dense food products (B=-175.58, P<.001), while the text version had an effect only on energy intake (B=-163.05, P=.001). No effects on physical activity were found. Moreover, the video version was rated significantly better than the text version on feelings of relatedness (P=.041), usefulness (P=.047), and grade given to the intervention (P=.018).ConclusionsThe video version of the Web-based computer-tailored obesity prevention intervention was the most effective intervention and most appreciated. Future research needs to examine if the effects are maintained in the long term and how the intervention can be optimized.ClinicalTrialNetherlands Trial Register: NTR3501; http://www.trialregister.nl/trialreg/admin/rctview.asp?TC=3501 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6cBKIMaW1)

Effectiveness of a Video-Versus Text-Based Computer-Tailored Intervention for Obesity Prevention after One Year: A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…It showed that the intervention (video version) resulted in significantly lower BMI (B = −0.25 with a Cohen’s d effect size of 0.10). The study also showed that both versions of the intervention (video and text) resulted in significantly lower average daily energy intake from energy-dense food products, compared to a control group (video, B = −175.58, Cohen’s d of 0.40; text, B = −163.05, Cohen’s d of 0.36), with no interaction effects of educational level on any of the outcome variables [ 20 ]. Yet, intervention effects of the 12-month follow-up are not yet investigated.…”

Effects of an Adolescent Obesity Management Educational Program on Middle and High School Teachers in South Korea

“…In an effort to ensure that sessions were retained, lectures and graphics representing the statistics, and video clips were used as educational methods and materials, to stimulate learning motivation and attention in teachers [24]. In addition, to share their opinions and experience and to induce active participation, discussion was incorporated into the AOMEP.…”

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“…These findings may be related to the late digital inclusion of developing countries, since netizens are more prone to access health information for solving their own conditions in comparison to new Internet users, which usually belong to lower socioeconomic groups (Perrin & Bertoni, 2017). In a second time, the lower level of education can influence the preferences of users in relation to Web media, favoring the consumption of videos instead of reading materials (Walthouwer et al, 2015). This pattern could explain the similarities of YouTube-based searches between both country groups.…”

“…The preferences of Web users can be influenced by distinct factors of populations, such as the ability of obtaining, processing, and understanding health information adequately (Levin-Zamir & Bertschi, 2018). Frequently, participants of Web-based computer-tailored preventive programs report their preference on video contents instead of texts, considering their usefulness, involvement, and attractiveness (Walthouwer et al, 2015). With a similar way of reasoning, people access video-sharing platforms as open sources of health information (Madathil et al, 2015), expecting to find contents with minimum correctness and clear presentation about their questions (Azer et al, 2013;Sahin et al, 2018).…”