Duke Psychology & Neuroscience

Selected Publications

• • Bennett, G. G. and Herring, S. J. and Puleo, E. and Stein, E. K. and Emmons, K. M. and Gillman, M. W..
  • 2010.
  • Web-based weight loss in primary care: a randomized controlled trial.
  • Obesity (Silver Spring)
  • 18:
  • 308--313
  • .

  Publication Description

  Evidence is lacking regarding effective and sustainable weight loss approaches for use in the primary care setting. We conducted a 12-week randomized controlled trial to evaluate the short-term efficacy of a web-based weight loss intervention among 101 primary care patients with obesity and hypertension. Patients had access to a comprehensive website that used a moderate-intensity weight loss approach designed specifically for web-based implementation. Patients also participated in four (two in-person and two telephonic) counseling sessions with a health coach. Intent-to-treat analysis showed greater weight loss at 3 months (-2.56 kg; 95% CI -3.60, -1.53) among intervention participants (-2.28 +/- 3.21 kg), relative to usual care (0.28 +/- 1.87 kg). Similar findings were observed among intervention completers (-3.05 kg; 95% CI -4.24, -1.85). High rates of participant retention (84%) and website utilization were observed, with the greatest weight loss found among those with a high frequency of website logins (quartile 4 vs. 1: -4.16 kg; 95% CI -1.47, -6.84). The intervention's approach promoted moderate weight loss at 12 weeks, though greater weight loss was observed among those with higher levels of website utilization. Efficacious web-based weight loss interventions can be successfully offered in the primary care setting.

• • Bennett, G. G. and Glasgow, R. E..
  • 2009.
  • The delivery of public health interventions via the Internet: actualizing their potential.
  • Annu Rev Public Health
  • 30:
  • 273--292
  • .

  Publication Description

  The Internet increasingly serves as a platform for the delivery of public health interventions. The efficacy of Internet interventions has been demonstrated across a wide range of conditions. Much more work remains, however, to enhance the potential for broad population dissemination of Internet interventions. In this article, we examine the effectiveness of Internet interventions, with particular attention to their dissemination potential. We discuss several considerations (characterizing reach rates, minimizing attrition, promoting Web site utilization, use of tailored messaging and social networking) that may improve the implementation of Internet interventions and their associated outcomes. We review factors that may influence the adoption of Internet interventions in a range of potential dissemination settings. Finally, we present several recommendations for future research that highlight the potential importance of better understanding intervention reach, developing consensus regarding Web site usage metrics, and more broadly integrating Web 2.0 functionality.

• • Greaney ML, Quintiliani LM, Warner ET, King DK, Emmons KM, Colditz GA, Glasgow RE, Bennett GG.
  • 2009.
  • Weight management among patients at community health centers: The “Be Fit Be Well” Study.
  • Obesity and Weight Management
  • 5:
  • 222-228
  • .
• • Bennett, G. G. and McNeill, L. H. and Wolin, K. Y. and Duncan, D. T. and Puleo, E. and Emmons, K. M..
  • 2007.
  • Safe to walk? Neighborhood safety and physical activity among public housing residents.
  • PLoS Med.
  • 4:
  • 1599--1606
  • .

  Publication Description

  Residing in a neighborhood that is perceived to be unsafe at night is a barrier to regular physical activity among individuals, especially women, living in urban low-income housing. Feeling unsafe may also diminish confidence in the ability to be more physically active. Both of these factors may limit the effectiveness of physical activity promotion strategies delivered in similar settings.

• • Bennett, G. G. and Wolin, K. Y. and James, S. A..
  • 2007.
  • Lifecourse socioeconomic position and weight change among blacks: The Pitt County study.
  • Obesity (Silver Spring)
  • 15:
  • 172--181
  • .

  Publication Description

  For women in this black cohort, lower SEP predicted earlier onset of obesity; however, low SEP was less predictive of BMI increases over time. Our findings demonstrate complex patterns of association between SEP and BMI change among black women.