ARS | Publication request: LOG ON RATE AND BASELINE CHARACTERISTICS IN A WEB BASED PROGRAM PROMOTING HEALTHY EATING BEHAVIORS TO PARENTS/GUARDIANS OF 8-12 YEAR OLD AFRICAN-AMERICAN GIRLS

Submitted to: International Society for Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: February 1, 2005
Publication Date: July 1, 2005
Citation: Thompson, D., Cullen, K., Watson, K., Haggard, A. 2005. Log on rate and baseline characteristics in a web based program promoting healthy eating behaviors to parents/guardians of 8-12 year old African-American girls [abstract]. In: Fourth Annual Conference of the International Society for Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity Program and Abstracts, June 16-18, 2005, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. p. 175.

Technical Abstract: Background: In web-based programs, log on rate (LOR) determines program dose. Little is known about factors influencing LOR. Computer self-efficacy (CSE) and personal characteristics are likely influencers. Purpose: To examine relationships between LOR, CSE, and baseline characteristics of participants in an 8-week web-based program promoting healthy eating habits. Methods: Baseline data and LOR from 67 participants were examined. All participants were female parents/guardians of African-American girls. LOR was the total number of weeks the participant logged on to the program web site, divided by 8. The relationship between LOR and CSE was examined using Pearson s correlation. One-way analyses of variance were employed to investigate the relationship between LOR and parental education, homeownership, and computer-related characteristics. Results: A significant relationship (r=.33, p=.006) was observed between LOR and CSE. Longer computer (p<.001) and Internet use (p=.008); and higher maternal (p=.016) and paternal education (p=.003) were significantly related to higher LOR. Computer experience and homeownership were not related to LOR. Conclusion: A significantly positive and moderate relationship was observed between LOR and CSE, significant relationships were also observed between LOR and several demographic characteristics. Women with > 3 yrs computer/Internet use had >30% higher LOR than those with < 3 yrs. College graduates had >20% increased LOR than non-degreed participants. Future web-based interventions should include sufficient computer and Internet training to ensure satisfactory LOR.