Internet-Based Weight Loss Program Study
Author Information
Author(s): Russell E Glasgow, Candace C Nelson, Kathleen A Kearney, Robert Reid, Debra P Ritzwoller, Victor J Strecher, Mick P Couper, Beverly Green, Kevin Wildenhaus
Primary Institution: Kaiser Permanente Colorado
Hypothesis
Which recruitment methods produce higher eHealth participation rates?
Conclusion
A single personalized mailing increases enrollment in Internet-based weight loss programs.
Supporting Evidence
- Personalized mailings produced higher enrollment rates than newsletters.
- Members with diabetes or heart disease were more likely to enroll.
- Males and older adults were less likely to enroll.
- Participants under age 60 were less likely to participate in follow-up assessments.
Takeaway
Sending personal letters helps more people join online weight loss programs, but it might not reach those who need it most.
Methodology
Participants were recruited from three health maintenance organizations and assigned to different interventions in a randomized controlled trial.
Potential Biases
The program may not attract high-risk individuals at the same rate as lower-risk individuals.
Limitations
The study could not conduct multivariable analyses due to privacy issues and lacked data on health literacy.
Participant Demographics
54% of participants were over 60 years old, 45% had a BMI of 35 or higher, and 14% had diabetes.
Statistical Information
P-Value
P < .001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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