Proactive dissemination of an eHealth intervention promoting mental fitness: reach, use and effectiveness

Abstract

Background: The impact on public health of effective eHealth interventions is often limited due to suboptimal levels of reach and use. We studied the effectiveness of a proactive strategy to increase reach and use of an eHealth intervention promoting mental fitness. Methods: The intervention was proactively offered to online participants of a large Dutch Health Monitor. Success of this strategy was assessed by studying both levels of reach and use of the intervention, as well as predictors of use. In order to determine the effects mental fitness was assessed at baseline and 6 months. Findings: Almost 17.000 participants indicated their interest in the eHealth intervention and a total of 4.378 participants actually registered, of which 20% consisted of active users and 2% adhered to the intervention. Males, older and higher educated people were more likely to use the intervention. Small effects on mental fitness were identified. Discussion: Proactive dissemination of an eHealth intervention is a promising strategy to reach the target group. However, strategies to increase levels of use and adherence to the intervention need to be developed.