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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Sharon J. Dyment, MPH, Leanne M. Mauriello, PhD, Carol O. Cummins, MEd, MLIS, and Sara S. Johnson, PhD. Pro-Change Behavior Systems, Inc., P.O. Box 755, West Kingston, RI 02892, 401-874-4112, sdyment@prochange.com

Transtheoretical Model (TTM) intervention materials have been developed across a series of studies including: weight management for overweight adults, healthy lifestyle for college students, and obesity prevention for high school students. The central vehicle of promoting behavior change across these studies is an individualized expert system intervention that offers tailored feedback on TTM constructs and stage-matched expert guidance to help participants progress through the stages of change for specific behaviors. Expert system interventions have been developed for increasing physical activity, increasing fruit and vegetable consumption, decreasing TV viewing, decreasing eating in response to emotional distress, and promoting healthy eating, including reduction of calories and reduction of fat intake. As adjuncts to paper- and computer-based versions of expert systems, printed workbooks, on-line workbooks, staff guides, and family guides have been created to reinforce the principles and processes of change. Information on the process of designing and disseminating each of these intervention components across diverse populations will be presented, including how formative research with participants, experts, and other key stakeholders is incorporated to create acceptable intervention materials. Qualitative and quantitative acceptability and feasibility data from pilot tests, made possible through funding from NHLBI, will also be presented.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the application of the Transtheoretical Model for healthy weight management behaviors
• Recognize the importance of designing healthy lifestyle interventions for diverse populations
• Understand the process of conducting formative research for designing and disseminating tailored behavior change interventions

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No