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- Title
Build it, and will they come? Unexpected findings from a study on a Web-based intervention to improve colorectal cancer screening.
- Authors
Fleisher, Linda; Kandadai, Venk; Keenan, Eileen; Miller, Suzanne M; Devarajan, Karthik; Ruth, Karen J; Rodoletz, Michele; Bieber, Eric J; Weinberg, David S
- Abstract
Given the extensive use of the Internet for health information, Web-based health promotion interventions are widely perceived as an effective communication channel. The authors conducted this study to determine use of a Web-based intervention intended to improve colorectal cancer screening in a population of women who are at average risk and noncompliant to current screening recommendations. The study was a randomized controlled trial designed to compare the effectiveness of colorectal cancer screening educational materials delivered using the Internet versus a printed format. In 3 years, 391 women seen for routine obstetrics/gynecology follow-up at 2 academic centers provided relevant survey information. Of these, 130 were randomized to the Web intervention. Participants received voluntary access to a password-protected, study-specific Web site that provided information about colorectal cancer and colorectal cancer screening options. The main outcome measures were self-reported and actual Web site use. Only 24.6% of women logged onto the Web site. Age was the only variable that differentiated users from nonusers (p = .03). In contrast, 16% of participants self-reported Web use. There was significant discordance between the veracity of actual and self-reported use (p = .004). Among true users, most (81%) logged on once only. These findings raise questions about how to increase use of important health communication interventions.
- Publication
Journal of health communication, 2012, Vol 17, Issue 1, p41
- ISSN
1087-0415
- Publication type
Journal Article
- DOI
10.1080/10810730.2011.571338