Research
FAB Study
Feedback, Awareness and Behaviour Study
The FAB Study is designed to investigate the effects of measurement and feedback on health-related thoughts, emotions, and behaviour in volunteers from the Fenland Study. So far 376 people from the Fenland Study have volunteered for the FAB Study.
The Fenland Study is investigating the influence of diet, lifestyle and genetic factors on the development of diabetes and obesity. Volunteers undergo a full health appraisal to measure their:
- metabolic health
- diet and lifestyle patterns
- body composition
- fitness and physical activity levels.
At the end of their appraisal, they receive feedback on these results.
The specific aim of the FAB Study is to assess how the measurement and feedback process during the Fenland Study might affect health-related attitudes and behaviours. We will look at how different types of feedback affect physical activity awareness and behaviour two months after patients receive their feedback from the Fenland Study. To do this we are using questionnaires and a combined heart rate and movement sensor (ActiHeart) to record physical activity before and after providing feedback information.
This study will provide insights into the benefits and possible harms of measurement and feedback in risk communication. It will also help to quantify the nature and extent of false reassurance.
