Effectiveness of an online multi-module intervention on dietary behavior, smoking cessation, and physical activity

Abstract

Background: Online interventions are proven effective in changing lifestyle behaviors and therefore can be beneficial for cancer survivors. We assessed the online ‘Kanker Nazorg Wijzer (KNW)’ (Cancer Aftercare Guide) on diet, physical activity, and smoking outcomes. Methods: Survivors participated in a RCT (intervention [IC]: n = 232, 79.3% females, mean age 55.6 years; usual-care control [UC]: n = 231, 80.5% females; mean age 56.1 years). We analyzed baseline and 6 months data (n=325; 70.2%) obtained from online questionnaires using multilevel analysis. Findings: IC reported significant higher vegetable (B = 14.08, p = .003) and whole wheat bread (B = 0.43, p = .05) consumption and a nearly significant increase in days per week activity (IC = .34 days, UC = .20 days; B = .29, p = .09). A higher proportion of smokers (11.1%) quit smoking in IC (UC = 3.1%). Comparative tests were impossible due to the small numbers. Discussion: Preliminary results indicate the KNW to be effective in changing dietary behavior. Trend effects on physical activity might consolidate over time, simultaneously with a decrease of possible medical complaints.