A randomized controlled health literacy trial to reduce sugar-sweetened beverage intake among adults: Rationale, design & early process findings

INTRODUCTION: Talking Health is a randomized controlled health literacy trial targeting community residents from rural southwest Virginia. The primary aim is to determine the effectiveness of a 6-month intervention aimed at decreasing sugar-sweetened beverage consumption (SIPsmartER) when compared to a matched contact control group targeting physical activity behaviors (MoveMore). This abstract describes health literacy intervention strategies and examines how health literacy status influences program participation rates. METHODS: Intervention components include three small interactive group classes, one live teach back telephone call to reinforce key concepts, and 11 interactive voice respsonse (IVR) telephone calls targeting goal setting, feedback, and support messages. Health literacy strategies include all written material written <8th grade reading level, intervention staff trained in clear communication techniques, and focused numeracy and media literacy content. The Newest Vital Sign was used to assess health literacy status at baseline. RESULTS: To date, 3 of 8 cohorts have been enrolled. Of 130 enrolled participants, mean age is 42 years, 91% non-Hispanic white, 76% female, 45% earn <$14,999 annually, 70% <college education, and 34% with limited literacy. Process data indicate rates of 67% for class attendance, 80% for teach-back call completion, and 60% for IVR completion. One-way ANOVA tests indicate that program participation rates do not vary by health literacy status. DISCUSSION: Opportunities and challenges for integration of health literacy strategies in the development, implementation and evaluation of community-based health behavior interventions will be discussed, along with considerations for how health literacy status and strategies may influence program participation rates.