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Patterns of Internet-based menu item selection can occur for a number of reasons, many of which may not be based on interest in topic. It then becomes important to ensure menu order is devised in a way that ensures the greatest accuracy in matching user need with selection. This study examined the impact of menu rotation on the selection of Internet-based parent-child feeding behavior education and behavior change modules by participants in the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program across seven states. Five modules were rotated over a course of 4 weeks, each having the opportunity to be listed in all positions in the menu sequence, resulting in a significant (p less than 0.01) difference in module access. Modules listed in first and second position observed greater access than the other modules, with the exception of the module "make meals and snacks simple," which retained consistent access trends regardless of position. Overall, modules in the first two positions observed the greatest access, regardless of module title. This study provides evidence of the importance for website developers to consider menu design when developing Internet-based health promotion programming. (Contains 2 tables and 1 figure.)

Objective: To determine the usefulness and impact of wichealth.org on stage of change associated with 8 WIC client nutrition issues. Design: Cross-sectional design. Data were collected through an online survey and via Web pages visited by clients for each module. Setting: wichealth.org intervention and data collection are Internet-based. Participants- 39 541 WIC participants from 7 states completed a module and online survey. Subjects were likely between the ages of 18 and 34, residing in Michigan, Illinois, or Indiana, and accessing the Internet from home. Interventions: Intervention included 5 online modules focusing on parent-child feeding behaviors. Variables Measured: Impact variables included stage of change movement, user belief in ability to engage in behavior, and perception of site usefulness. Analysis: Data were reported using frequency, ANOVA (analysis of variance) (P < . 01), and chi-square (P < .01) analyses. Results: Movement in stage was greatest for the 'picky eater' (PE) module. Contemplation as the beginning stage had the greatest stage movement. Participants responded well to all measures of site usefulness. User belief in ability to engage in behavior was associated with 7 of the 8 modules. Implications for Research and Practice: wichealth.org is a highly popular and viable method for impacting movement in stage of change with a number of parent-child feeding issues. Key Words: Internet, child nutrition, nutrition, WIC

Within days after Western Michigan University went online due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a Crisis Response Task Force was established to help administer the delivery of messaging and communication to university populations. Eight public health students became involved at the start and were empowered with the task of developing and delivering messages to student populations. They created and disseminated Facebook and Instagram posts and stories that addressed three key messages: flattening the curve, staying healthy and productive, and having grace and patience during the transition to a remote learning environment. Their health communication plan utilized a social marketing-driven approach consisting of nine key submessages that addressed program goals and objectives. A total of 68 Facebook and Instagram posts and stories were delivered. Analytics indicated trends in overall message reach, impressions, and engagement. Both Facebook and Instagram experienced higher engagement at the onset of the campaign, dropping to little interaction six weeks later. Messages associated with flattening the curve experienced higher Facebook engagement, whereas messages of having grace and patience had higher reach and impressions. This project is an example of how skills and competencies in health communication and administration public health courses were applied to help mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To provide a review of weight management components as a means for developing suggested guidelines for online program development or selection. Methods: Forty-two published studies associated with Internet programs were reviewed. Results: Studies included online weight management components: tailored feedback, social support, self-monitoring, and interactive components. Five key principles associated with Internet-based weight management programming are presented: (1) recreate the human experience, (2) personalize to the individual, (3) create a dynamic experience, (4) provide a supportive environment, and (5) build upon sound theory. Conclusions: Key principles can guide in the development or selection of online weight management programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the Internet has become an important avenue for disseminating health information, theory-driven strategies for aiding individuals in changing or managing health behaviors are lacking. The eHealth Behavior Management Model combines the Transtheoretical Model, the behavioral intent aspect of the Theory of Planned Behavior, and persuasive communication to assist individuals in negotiating the Web toward stage-specific information. It is here - at the point of stage-specific information - that behavioral intent in moving toward more active stages of change occurs. The eHealth Behavior Management Model is applied in three demonstration projects that focus on behavior management issues: parent-child nutrition education among participants in the U.S. Department of Agriculture Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children; asthma management among university staff and students; and human immunodeficiency virus prevention among South African women. Preliminary results have found the eHealth Behavior Management Model to be promising as a model for Internet-based behavior change programming. Further application and evaluation among other behavior and disease management issues are needed.