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01-03-2011

Effects of a Web-based intervention on women’s breast health behaviors

Authors: Deborah J Bowen, PhD, Robert Robbins, PhD, Nigel Bush, PhD, Hendrika Meischke, PhD, Abi Ludwig, Jean Wooldridge, MPH

Published in: Translational Behavioral Medicine | Issue 1/2011

Abstract

Helping women make choices to reduce cancer risk and to improve breast health behaviors is important, but the best ways to reach more people with intervention assistance is not known. To test the efficacy of a Web-based intervention designed to help women make better breast health choices, we adapted our previously tested, successful breast health intervention package to be delivered on the Internet, and then we tested it in a randomized trial. We recruited women from the general public to be randomized to either an active intervention group or a delayed intervention control group. The intervention consisted of a specialized Web site providing tailored and personalized risk information to all participants, followed by offers of additional support if needed. Follow-up at 1-year post-randomization revealed significant improvements in mammography screening in intervention women compared with control women (improvement of 13 percentage points). The intervention effects were more powerful in women who increased breast health knowledge and decreased cancer worry during intervention. These data indicate that increases in mammography can be accomplished in population-based mostly insured samples by implementing this simple, low resource intensive intervention.

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Title: Effects of a Web-based intervention on women’s breast health behaviors
Authors: Deborah J Bowen, PhD
Robert Robbins, PhD
Nigel Bush, PhD
Hendrika Meischke, PhD
Abi Ludwig
Jean Wooldridge, MPH
Publication date: 01-03-2011
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Translational Behavioral Medicine / Issue 1/2011
Print ISSN: 1869-6716
Electronic ISSN: 1613-9860
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13142-011-0028-0

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