Internet-based Interventions Have Potential to Affect Short-term Mediators and Indicators of Dietary Behavior of Young Adults
ABSTRACT
Objective: Evaluate a theory-based, Internet-delivered nutrition education module.
Design: Randomized, treatment-control design with pre-post intervention assessments.
Setting and Participants: Convenience sample of 160 young adults (aged 18-24) recruited by community educators in 4 states. Study completers (n 96) included a mix of racial/ethnic groups and family demographics, but were predominately white females without children.
Intervention: A Transtheoretical Model (TTM)-based, stage-tailored Internet program, F&V (Fruit & Vegetable) Express Bites, was delivered to treatment group participants; controls received nontailored messages in a comparable format.
Main Outcome Measures and Analysis: TTM constructs at baseline, immediately postviewing, and at 30-day follow-up were compared via chi-square, McNemar’s test, and logistic regression. Qualitative use and acceptability indicators were collected postviewing (treatment only).
Results: Of baseline respondents, 86.5% completed the study. At follow-up, self-efficacy, decisional balance, and selected processes improved for both groups, with only marginal advantages for the theory-based version. Fruit and vegetable consumption changes were similar for both groups. Qualitative measures of knowledge, confidence, and motivation improved (not measured for controls). Favorable ratings of treatment program acceptability and personal relevance were reported.
Conclusions and Implications: The Internet is a favorable option for reaching young adults with nutrition messages. This study did not identify strong advantages of theory-based tailoring, especially for fruit consumption, which had weaker barriers than vegetable consumption among this target audience.
J Nutr Educ Behav. 2008;40:288-297 Download Internet Nutrition Education.pdf (596.4K)
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Position of the American Dietetic Association, Society for Nutrition Education, and American School Food Service Association: Nutrition Services: An Essential Component of Comprehensive School Health Programs
A B S T R AC T
It is the position of the American Dietetic Association (ADA), the Society for Nutrition Education (SNE), and the American School Food Service Association (ASFSA) that comprehensive nutrition services must be provided to all of the nation’s preschool through grade 12 students. These nutrition services shall be integrated with a coordinated, comprehensive school health program and implemented through a school nutrition policy. The policy should link comprehensive, sequential nutrition education; access to and promotion of child nutrition programs providing nutritious meals and snacks in the school environment; and family, community, and health services’ partnerships supporting positive health outcomes for all children. Childhood obesity has reached epidemic proportions and is directly attributed to physical inactivity and diet. Schools can play a key role in reversing this trend through coordinated nutrition services that promote policies linking comprehensive, sequential nutrition education programs, access to and marketing of child nutrition programs, a school environment that models healthful food choices, and community partnerships. This position statement provides information and resources for nutrition professionals to use in developing and supporting comprehensive school health programs.
J Nutr Educ Behav. 2003;35:57-67 Download Nutrition Services in School.pdf (374.7K)
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Guidelines for Childhood Obesity Prevention Programs: Promoting Healthy Weight in Children
SUMMARY STATEMENT
These guidelines for obesity prevention programs encourage a health-centered, rather than weight-centered, approach that focuses on the whole child, physically, mentally, and socially. The emphasis is on living actively, eating in normal and healthful ways, and creating a nurturing environment that helps children recognize their own worth and respects cultural foodways and family traditions. It is recognized that obesity, eating disorders, hazardous weight loss, nutrient deficiencies, size discrimination, and body hatred are all interrelated and need to be addressed in comprehensive ways that do no harm.
J Nutr Educ Behav. 2003;35:1-4 Download Promoting Healthy Weight in Children .pdf
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Written Statement from the American Psychological Association for the
Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, & Pensions
Subcommittee on Children and Families on
Childhood Obesity: The Declining Health of America’s Next Generation
July 23, 2008
