Evaluation of a Letter Intervention Promoting a Plant-based Diet

Completed · Not applicable

Conditions studied: Cardiovascular Diseases, Diabetes Mellitus, Obesity

In brief

The researchers' mission is to promote healthier eating behavior and to reduce costs associated with healthcare. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of mailing randomly selected participants a letter promoting a plant-based diet. Depending on the experimental condition, participants may additionally receive a free documentary, Forks Over Knives, and they may also get letters which use commitment- or prevention-focused messages to encourage watching the documentary and changing their eating behavior. The researchers hypothesize that receiving the documentary will be associated with lower insurance claims and improved health outcomes one and two years later. The researchers also hypothesize that using either commitment- or prevention-focused messages will also contribute to lower insurance claims and improved health outcomes compared to experimental conditions where materials did not include these messages. This study will help the researchers design evidence-supported programs that can improve people's health.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT03880838

Run by

Geisinger Clinic

People needed

11234

Starts

2019-06-20

Expected to finish

2022-06-30

Last updated by the study team

2025-05-20

Who can join

Age: 18 and older. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.

You may qualify if…

• Has two out of the three following conditions:
• Body mass index over 30
• Diagnosis of type 2 diabetes (specifically with at least one medication)
• Diagnosis of cardiovascular disease
• Has health insurance through Geisinger Health Plan (is an active member with a full 12-month enrollment in the previous year) under one of the following categories:
• Medicare with required primary care provider
• Medicaid
• Individual policy under the Affordable Care Act
• Has visited their primary care provider in the past 12 months

You may not qualify if…

• Is institutionalized
• Has active cancer, cirrhosis, renal failure, dementia, or active psychosis
• Is in the same household as another selected participant

Where it is running

• Geisinger Health System — Danville, Pennsylvania, United States

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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