THE IMPACT OF COMPUTER-TAILORED FEEDBACK AND ITERATIVE FEEDBACK ON FAT, FRUIT, AND VEGETABLE INTAKE

A randomized trial was conducted to study the impact of individualized computer-generated nutrition information and additional effects of it erative feedback on changes in intake of fat, fruits, and vegetables. Respondents in the experimental group received computer-generated feed back letters tailored to their dietary intake, intentions, attitudes, self-efficacy expectations, and self-rated behavior. After the first f eedback letter, half of the experimental group received additional ite rative feedback tailored to changes in behavior and intentions. The co ntrol group received a single general nutrition information letter in a format similar to the tailored letters. Computer-tailored feedback h ad a significantly greater impact on fat reduction and fruit and veget able intake than did general information. Iterative computer-tailored feedback had an additional impact on fat intake. The results confirm t hat computer-generated individualized feedback can be effective in ind ucing recommended dietary changes and that iterative feedback can incr ease the longer term impact of computer-tailored nutrition education o n fat reduction.