Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Comparing the Effectiveness of Automated Online Counseling to Standard Web-Based Education on Improving Acne Knowledge: A Randomized Controlled Trial

  • Original Research Article
  • Published:
American Journal of Clinical Dermatology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Background

Evidence regarding what comprises effective education for acne vulgaris patients is lacking. Internet-based education may improve patient knowledge of this condition.

Objectives

Our objective was to compare the effectiveness of standard web-based education and an automated counseling website in improving acne knowledge.

Design

In a randomized trial, participants visited either a standard website or an automated counseling website to learn about acne. Multiple-choice questions were administered at baseline and after 12 weeks to assess change in acne knowledge.

Results

A total of 97 high school students were enrolled, and 95 completed the study. The standard website group had a significant increase in knowledge from baseline (3.61 ± 1.22) to 12-week follow-up (5.46 ± 1.31, p < 0.001). Similarly, the automated counseling website group had a significant increase in knowledge between both time points (3.53 ± 1.50 vs. 6.49 ± 1.06, p < 0.001). After 12 weeks, mean improvement in knowledge was higher in the automated counseling group (2.96 ± 1.85) than in the standard website group (1.85 ± 1.46, d = 0.67, p = 0.002). The number of website visits was positively correlated with improvement in knowledge in both groups. Finally, the automated counseling website group rated their educational material more useful (p = 0.004) and more enjoyable to view (p = 0.003) than did the standard website group.

Limitations

This study is limited to adolescents with mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris.

Conclusion

Internet-based patient education appears to be an effective method of improving acne knowledge among adolescents.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Bhate K, Williams HC. Epidemiology of acne vulgaris. Br J Dermatol. 2013;168(3):474–85. doi:10.1111/bjd.12149.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  2. Tan JK, Vasey K, Fung KY. Beliefs and perceptions of patients with acne. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2001;44(3):439–45. doi:10.1067/mjd.2001.111340.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  3. Brajac I, Bilic-Zulle L, Tkalcic M, Loncarek K, Gruber F. Acne vulgaris: myths and misconceptions among patients and family physicians. Patient educ Couns. 2004;54(1):21–5. doi:10.1016/S0738-3991(03)00168-X.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  4. Miyachi Y, Hayashi N, Furukawa F, Akamatsu H, Matsunaga K, Watanabe S, et al. Acne management in Japan: study of patient adherence. Dermatology. 2011;223(2):174–81. doi:10.1159/000332847.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  5. Katsambas AD. Why and when the treatment of acne fails. What to do. Dermatology. 1998;196(1):158–61.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  6. Tuong W, Larsen ER, Armstrong AW. Videos to influence: a systematic review of effectiveness of video-based education in modifying health behaviors. J Behav Med. 2014;37(2):218–33. doi:10.1007/s10865-012-9480-7.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  7. Krishna S, Francisco BD, Balas EA, Konig P, Graff GR, Madsen RW, et al. Internet-enabled interactive multimedia asthma education program: a randomized trial. Pediatrics. 2003;111(3):503–10.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  8. Armstrong AW, Idriss NZ, Kim RH. Effects of video-based, online education on behavioral and knowledge outcomes in sunscreen use: a randomized controlled trial. Patient Educ Couns. 2011;83(2):273–7. doi:10.1016/j.pec.2010.04.033.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  9. Armstrong AW, Kim RH, Idriss NZ, Larsen LN, Lio PA. Online video improves clinical outcomes in adults with atopic dermatitis: a randomized controlled trial. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2011;64(3):502–7. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2010.01.051.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  10. Livingstone S. Children’s use of the internet: reflections on the emerging research agenda. New Media Soc. 2003;5(2):147–66. doi:10.1177/1461444803005002001.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  11. Bickmore TW, Schulman D, Sidner C. Automated interventions for multiple health behaviors using conversational agents. Patient Educ Couns. 2013;92(2):142–8. doi:10.1016/j.pec.2013.05.011.

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  12. Bickmore TW, Silliman RA, Nelson K, Cheng DM, Winter M, Henault L, et al. A randomized controlled trial of an automated exercise coach for older adults. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2013;61(10):1676–83. doi:10.1111/jgs.12449.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  13. Wang A, Armstrong A, Schupp C, Wu J. Randomized controlled trial examining effectiveness of a novel personalized interactive health care education tool for acne patients (MyPACE). J Am Acad Dermatol. 2013;68(4 Suppl 1):AB18.

  14. Kerfoot BP, Baker HE, Koch MO, Connelly D, Joseph DB, Ritchey ML. Randomized, controlled trial of spaced education to urology residents in the United States and Canada. J Urol. 2007;177(4):1481–7. doi:10.1016/j.juro.2006.11.074.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

The project described was supported by the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), through grant #UL1 TR000002.

Conflict of interest

Mr. William Tuong has no relevant conflicts of interest to declare. Dr. Audrey S. Wang has no relevant conflicts of interest to declare. Dr. April W. Armstrong has no relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Dermatology, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA

    William Tuong & Audrey S. Wang

  2. Department of Dermatology, University of Colorado Denver, 11801 E. 17th Avenue, Campus Mailbox 8127, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA

    April W. Armstrong

Authors
  1. William Tuong
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Audrey S. Wang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. April W. Armstrong
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to April W. Armstrong.

Electronic supplementary material

Below is the link to the electronic supplementary material.

Supplementary material 1 (DOC 42 kb)

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Tuong, W., Wang, A.S. & Armstrong, A.W. Comparing the Effectiveness of Automated Online Counseling to Standard Web-Based Education on Improving Acne Knowledge: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Am J Clin Dermatol 16, 55–60 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40257-014-0104-6

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40257-014-0104-6

Keywords

Search

Navigation