In an increasingly technological society we are relying more heavily on the Internet and websites as a method to inform others about health as well as to promote healthy behavior changes in our nation’s adolescents, adults, and elderly. But as health promotion and behavior change professionals know, knowledge alone does not lead to behavior change. The researchers examined in-depth approximately 50 of the top health related websites on the Internet based upon market visibility and independent ratings of quality health sites for consumers. Using a categorization of major health behavior change strategies (components associated with social learning theory, stages of change, health belief, behavioral intention, social support networks, and others), the researchers examined the nature and extent of these methods being used to promote healthy behavior change among website visitors. An analysis of the frequency and combination of different change strategies is examined, with particular attention paid to sites that provide a clear, comprehensive application of current health behavior change theory. Further suggestions and recommendations about incorporating and applying modern health behavior change theory to Internet websites is added.
Learning Objectives: N/A
Keywords: Health Behavior, Internet
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