Progress 10/01/06 to 09/30/08
Outputs
OUTPUTS: This project examines the potential for using the Internet to change people's tick-bite prevention behavior. Specifically, the purpose is to develop a theory-based framework that includes the following components -- assessing, advising, assisting, providing anticipatory guidance, and arranging for follow-up - these 5 A's are considered minimum criteria necessary for a Web-based program to have the potential for effecting behavior change. We initiated a unique, multi-disciplinary collaboration linking skills in tick biology and control, computer graphics and web design, and behavior change theory. Thus, instead of creating just another web site, we are in the process of integrating theory-based, dynamic, interactive 3D media into a health promotion support system for tick-bite prevention. An important component of this effort is inclusion of the Transtheoretical Model (TTM) for behavior change. As a first step, we implemented a basic web system (www.tickencounter.org) to serve as a platform for data gathering, concept testing, and for disseminating customized, interactive tick-bite prevention tools. Next, we developed assessment measures for determining important psycho-social issues preventing behavior change. Measures were developed through a collaborative effort between tick biologists and behavior change experts, and were tested using a web-based survey tool. The study population was recruited from visitors to the tickencounter web site and nearly 300 collected responses from nearly 300 website users. Data were stored in a dedicated database developed for this project, and were analyzed and interpreted. We created two sets of measures assessing stages of change for personal and environmental protection. Data showed that individuals completing surveys on the website were more prepared to protect themselves from tick bites personally, than they were to protect their yard and local environment. We developed a 5-item internally consistent Pros of Tickbite Prevention scale related to the stages of change. Another on-line framework component developed was the framework for a TickEncounter Risk Calculator, a unique decision support tool developed through this collaboration between tick experts and computer scientists. When completed, this on-line tool will provide users with a customized, interactive tick-bite risk assessment based on geography, yard-scape, personal activities and tick-bite preventive behaviors. Information submitted to the TickEncounter Risk Calculator will be stored in a dedicated database and plans are in place to analyze and validate the data and output in order to re-calibrate the calculator model. PARTICIPANTS: This project is a collaboration between three diverse groups with expertise in tick bite prevention, behavior change intervention, and computer graphic and 3D interactive media development. Members of each group play a critical role contributing to project outputs and working to achieve the desired outcomes of the project. Thomas Mather, Ph.D. is PI and oversees overall project design, execution and timelines, develops website content, and measure development content related to ticks and tick-bite prevention. Nathan Miller, M.S. contributes development of tick bite prevention strategies and content, and coordinates outreach efforts to target audiences. Colleen Redding, Ph.D. is responsible for implementing theory-based behavior change strategies including: item generation, measure administration, measure refinement, and preliminary validation. Joseph Rossi, Ph.D. is responsible for implementing theory-based behavior change strategies including: item generation, measure administration, measure refinement, and preliminary validation. Jean-Yves Herve, Ph.D. is responsible for computational modeling and overseeing development of the TickEncounter Risk Calculator interface. Brian Mullen, B.S. designed and operates the basic backbone and interfaces of www.tickencounter.org website. Within that basic system he created the specific platform and background systems that make it possible to launch measure development surveys and capture submitted responses. Student Training: Lyndsay Knoblock-Fast (Ph.D candidate) played a role in developing the content and interface for the TickEncounter Risk Calculator. TARGET AUDIENCES: www.tickencounter.org is designed to be educational, informative, engaging, and user friendly to all internet users at-risk of encountering ticks wherever they may live, work or play. The TickEncounter Risk Calculator is being specifically designed to provide at-risk homeowners with customized, behavior change theory based interventions to reduce tick bites within the home environment. Target audiences are rural, suburban, and peri-urban residents of Rhode Island, the Northeastern U.S., and beyond. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
One impact of this work is an increased understanding of disease prevention behavior and potentially a more robust method for delivering appropriate tick-bite precautions. The relationship between the stages of change and a 5-item Pros scale developed for tick-bite prevention is similar to those reported for 48 other health related behaviors; replicating this relationship within these data supports the utility of the TTM to increase behavioral prevention efforts for tickborne illness. This study suggests that increased emphasis on the Pros of tickbite prevention may help individuals progress through the stages of change more quickly to protect themselves. This may be a useful and cost-effective strategy for future multimedia or interactive communications campaigns. The interactivity of www.tickencounter.org was demonstrated in two ways. In addition to the 300 surveys submitted on-line, TERC received and responded to more than 400 emails through www.tickencounter.org containing various questions related to tick bite protection and tick-borne disease prevention. Our internet-based health promotion framework will be a useful mechanism for communicating disease risk to residents in the Lyme disease endemic northeast. Moreover, with nearly 75,000 total visitors (currently averaging >400 /day), www.tickencounter.org is having an increasing impact on how people receive and assimilate health education and tick-bite prevention strategies into their daily lives.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 01/01/07 to 12/31/07
Outputs
OUTPUTS: This report includes the funding period 10/01/2006-12/31/2007. This project is examining the potential for using the Internet to change people's tick-bite prevention behavior. Specifically, the purpose is to develop a theory-based framework that includes the following components -- assess, advise, assist, anticipatory guidance, and arrange for follow-up -- considered minimum criteria necessary for a Web-based program to have the potential for effecting behavior change. We initiated a unique, multi-disciplinary collaboration linking skills in tick biology and control, computer graphics and web design, and behavior change theory. Thus, instead of creating just another web site, we are in the process of integrating theory-based, dynamic, interactive 3D media into a health information delivery and decision support system (HIDDSS) for tick-bite prevention. An important component of this effort is inclusion of the Transtheoretical Model (TTM) for behavior change. As a first step, we implemented a basic web system (www.tickencounter.org) to serve as a platform for testing and launching customized, interactive tick-bite prevention tools. Next, we developed assessment measures for determining important psycho-social issues preventing behavior change. These measures were developed through a collaborative effort between tick and behavior change experts and then were tested using a web-based survey. We recruited our study population from users of the web site and collected responses from nearly 300 website users. The data are stored in a database, and currently are being analyzed and interpreted. The measures will be modified based on the analysis and re-introduced for final validation. The interactivity of www.tickencounter.org was demonstrated in two ways. In addition to the 300 surveys submitted on-line, TERC received and responded to more than 400 emails through www.tickencounter.org containing various questions related to tick bite protection and tick-borne disease prevention. Another decision support tool developed through this collaboration between tick experts and computer scientists is the TickEncounter Risk Calculator-Backyard Edition. This unique on-line tool provides users with a customized, interactive tick-bite risk assessment based on geography, yard-scape, personal activities and behaviors. Information submitted to the Tick Risk Calculator is currently being stored and plans are in place to analyze and validate the data and output. PARTICIPANTS: This project is a collaboration between three diverse groups with expertise in tick bite prevention (TICK), behavior change intervention (TTM), and computer graphic and 3D interactive media development. Members of each group play a critical role contributing to project outputs and working to achieve the desired outcomes of this project. Thomas Mather, Ph.D. (TICK) The role of this PI is to oversee project designs, execution and timelines as well as develop and manage website and measure development content related to ticks and tick-bite prevention. Nathan Miller, M.S. (TICK) Roles on this project include; development of tick bite prevention strategies and content as well as directing outreach efforts to target audiences. Colleen Redding, Ph.D. (TTM) Responsible for implementing theory-based behavior change strategies including: item generation, measure administration, measure refinement, and preliminary validation. Joseph Rossi, Ph.D. (TTM) Responsible for implementing theory-based behavior change strategies including: item generation, measure administration, measure refinement, and preliminary validation. Jean-Yves Herve, Ph.D. (3D) Responsible for computational modeling and overseeing development of the Tick Risk Calculator interface. Brian Mullen, B.S. (3D) Designed and currently operates the basic backbone and interfaces of www.tickencounter.org website. Within that basic system, created the platform and background systems that make it possible to launch measure development surveys and capture submitted responses. Student Training: Lyndsay Knoblock-Fast (Ph.D candidate) played a role in developing the content and interface for the Tick Risk Calculator. TARGET AUDIENCES: www.tickencounter.org is designed to be educational, informative, engaging, and user friendly to all internet users at-risk of encountering ticks wherever they may live, work or play. The Tick Risk Calculator is specifically designed to provide at-risk homeowners with customized strategies to reduce tick bites within their home environment. Thus, target audiences are rural, suburban, and peri-urban residents of Rhode Island, the Northeastern U.S., and beyond. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
One expected impact of this work is an increased understanding of disease prevention behavior and potentially a more robust, action-oriented method for delivering the most appropriate tick-bite precautions. Our HIDDSS framework will be a useful mechanism for communicating disease risk to residents in the Lyme disease endemic northeast. Moreover, with nearly 75,000 total visitors (currently averaging >400 /day), www.tickencounter.org is having an increasing impact on how people receive and assimilate health education and tick-bite prevention strategies into their daily lives.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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