Acceptability, feasibility and effectiveness of an eHealth behaviour intervention using self-regulation: 'MyPlan'.

OBJECTIVE

The study aims to evaluate the acceptability, feasibility and effectiveness of the eHealth intervention 'MyPlan', which targets health behaviour in adults.

METHODS

Flemish adults were randomly allocated to a control (n=155), or one of the three intervention groups: a physical activity (PA) (n=158), a fruit intake (n=161) or a vegetable intake group (n=48). PA, fruit or vegetable intake were measured at the start and after one month.

RESULTS

Adults with low education, and over 40 years evaluated the personal advice and action plans as more motivating, but also the personal advice as too long than adults with high education and younger adults. Overall, 48% completed the follow-up module after one week, and only 24% after one month. At one-month follow-up, the fruit intake intervention resulted in more fruit intake (F=9.5, p=0.003) and the PA intervention in a higher total physically activity level (F=5.6, p=0.020) than the control group. There was no effect for vegetable intake.

CONCLUSION

'MyPlan' was feasible and acceptable, and has the potential to increase PA levels, and fruit and vegetable intake.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Adaptations to the content of the intervention are further needed, and more attention is needed to motivate participants to complete the different follow-up parts.