Study designs of evaluations included in the review
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were included.
Specific interventions included in the review
Studies of biomarker status with feedback as a key component of a behavioural intervention were included. Studies were excluded if they significantly co-varied the treatment intensity across the groups.
Participants included in the review
Studies of adults only were included. Studies with children and adolescents were excluded.
Outcomes assessed in the review
The outcomes assessed were behaviour changes in relation to tobacco use, diet and physical activity.
The outcomes for tobacco use were changes in smoking-related behaviour, i.e. reduction, quitting, abstinence, smoking-related cognitions, and the prevention of smoking initiation;
The outcomes for diet were an intention to change fat intake, dietary change, the change in cholesterol level, self-reported dietary change and weight.
The outcomes for physical fitness were an intention to exercise, and self-reported exercise in the last three months.
How were decisions on the relevance of primary studies made?
The author did not state how the papers were selected for the review, or how many of the reviewers performed the selection.