Integrative theoretical model of e-interventions for Riga Stradins University (Latvia) students

Abstract

Introduction: E-Interventions, or electronically based interventions, have become increasingly popular in recent years. Many students already use the internet to find information about health. Several studies have shown that interventions using electronic media can improve health behaviors in young people. Following the successful experience of foreign universities, the goal is to create a pilot model of intervention structures that are based on the Transtheoretical Model (TM). Methods: The analysis of the literature was conducted to identify articles concerning TM of behavior change in designing e - interventions in the following databases: EBSCO, PubMed, Science Direct and SAGE Publications. The search terms were eHealth, web-based, online, internet, intervention, transtheoretical model and student. The search was limited to articles published in English between 2008 and 2016. Results: The developed e - intervention model involves statements that evaluate dynamics of behavior change and it is based on the TM. Based on the developed e - intervention model there is reason to do an empirical research. Discussion: E-intervention model strengths have been identified: it is based on the TM which has proven its effectiveness in the e-environment; students healthy lifestyle is gradually promoted and it is easily accessible to all students. Limitations of the model are: originally it is designed to work with addicted individuals; e-intervention is an innovative way of psychological support in Latvian cultural context, so it is not possible to predict the responsiveness and efficiency of the model.