Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of a peer support intervention to encourage adoption and maintenance of a Mediterranean Diet (MD) in established community groups where existing social support may assist the behaviour change process. Four established community groups with members at increased cardiovascular disease risk and homogenous in gender, were recruited and randomised to receive either a 12-month Peer Support (PS) intervention (PSG) (n=2) or a Minimal Support intervention (educational materials only) (MSG) (n=2). The feasibility of the intervention was assessed using recruitment and retention rates, assessing the variability of outcome measures (primary outcome: adoption of a MD at 6 months (using a Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS)), and process evaluation measures including qualitative interviews. Recruitment rates for community groups (n=4/8), participants (n=31/51) and peer supporters (n=6/14) were 50%, 61% and 43% respectively. The recruitment strategy faced several challenges with recruitment and retention of participants, leading to a smaller sample than intended. At 12-months, a 65% and 76.5% retention rate for PSG and MSG participants was observed respectively. A >2-point increase in MDS was observed in both the PSG and the MSG at 6-months, maintained at 12-months. An increase in MD adherence was evident in both groups during follow-up, however, the challenges faced in recruitment and retention suggest a definitive study of the peer support intervention using current methods is not feasible and refinement based on the current feasibility study should be incorporated. Lessons learned during the implementation of this intervention will help inform future interventions in this area.
Mediterranean diet, fats and cardiovascular disease risk: what news?
