The Effects of an Innovative WWW-Based Health Behavior Program on the Nutritional Practices of Tenth Grade Girls: Preliminary Report on the Eat4Life Program

Abstract

This preliminary study assessed the efficacy of a WWW-based set of nutrition modules that served as an adjunct to a basic didactic health curriculum for 10 th grade girls in a rural high school in a medically underserved area. Through assessments on target areas and foods (eating three meals per day, consuming five servings of fruits and vegetables, increasing breads and cereals, decreasing high fat dairy, decreasing high fat snacks, decreasing regular sodas), the six module system provided goals and strategies and personalized feedback on progress. A comparison of girls in one class using the modules compared to girls in another health class not using the system on a measure similar to the food frequency questionnaire showed that use of the modules was associated with appreciable change in all areas except soda consumption. Methods to expand the use of www-based health behavior programs concurrent with future computer and Internet access were discussed.