Differences in user appreciations and effects in Dutch computer tailored interventions

Abstract

Background: Computer tailored eHealth interventions have the possibility to deliver highly personalized messages. Yet, a challenge with these messages is that they require much text and reading and may also lead to widening of the digital divide. Hence, alternative strategies such as video tailoring and mHealth can be used in order to optimize appreciation, use and effectiveness. Methods: The results of a series of RCTs will be presented in which we analyze the user appreciations and effects. First, we will compare the effects in drop-out and appreciation between low and high educated respondents. Next, the results of text and video tailoring will be compared. Finally, we will compare the results of eHealth and mHealth. Findings: First, the results reveal no clear pattern in user appreciation and effects between educational levels; lower educated respondents sometimes liked the tailored letters better but also drop-out rates were sometimes slightly higher. Next, significantly higher appreciations and more effects were found when video tailoring was used. Finally, eHealth messages were appreciated better than mHealth messages and drop-out was higher in mHealth. eHealth led to more behavior change. Discussion: Co-creation with users may prevent large differences in response and effects between high and low educated respondents. Video tailoring, although more expensive, can be cost-effective and is appreciated more. A balance in use between e&mHealth is needed.