Improving Dietary Behavior Through Tailored Messages

The aim of this study is to compare a Web-based system (WEB-DIET) and a computer telephone system (TLC [Telephone Linked Communications]-DIET) for affecting dietary behavior change. These interventions will target the same dietary behaviors (consumption of fat and fruits and vegetables). The behavior change strategies and content will be derived from the same behavior change theory (the Transtheoretical Model [TTM]). A representative sample of ~1200 adults from a large urban area will be recruited through a list-assisted telephone list which will be bought by the University of Rhode Island so that subjects can be randomized into one of three groups: a Web-based system (WEB- DIET), a computer telephone system (TLC [Telephone Linked Communications]-DIET), or assessment only control. The study hypotheses, which will be evaluated both at the end of the 6-month intervention period and at the end of 18-month follow-up (post-baseline) observation period, are: 1. TLC-DIET> Control 2. WEB-DIET> Control 3. WEB-DIET> TLC-DIET.

Inclusion criteria

• 18 years of age or older
• Be at risk with regard to saturated fat
• Have access to basic computer hardware and software
• Use the Internet regularly (defined as 1 times per week) and with basic proficiency
• Read and speak English at a fifth grade level
• Have access to a telephone and be able to use it independently.

Exclusion criteria

• Prescribed a diet that would conflict with a low saturated fat (e.g., a colectomy diet)
• Have a serious medical, psychiatric, or cognitive disease that would interfere with participation (e.g., cancer undergoing chemotherapy, psychotic disorder, Alzheimer's disease, etc.)
• If the individual does not use the Internet at least once a week