Transtheoretical individualized multimedia expert systems targeting adolescents' health behaviors

The transtheoretical model has advanced research and practice for many heal th behavior changes among adults, but few applications have been developed and applied among adolescents. This paper will describe an innovative and p romising computer-based technology for standardized assessment and individu alized theory-based intervention delivery called expert systems. Two differ ent studies utilizing multimedia expert systems technology for assessing an d intervening with adolescents targeting several health behaviors will be d escribed. One study includes high school students and targets smoking cessa tion or prevention, sun protection, and dietary fat reduction. The other st udy includes urban adolescent female clients recruited in family planning c linics and targets condom adoption and either smoking cessation or preventi on. The advantages and disadvantages of expert systems technology are revie wed, Multimedia expert system technology has the potential to enhance healt h promotion and adherence by integrating the strongest components from both clinical and public health models of intervention.