scholarly journals Community-based cooking programme ‘Eat Better Feel Better’ can improve child and family eating behaviours in low socioeconomic groups

2019 ◽  
Vol 74 (2) ◽  
pp. 190-196 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ada Lizbeth Garcia ◽  
Nurie Athifa ◽  
Elizabeth Hammond ◽  
Alison Parrett ◽  
Anne Gebbie-Diben

BackgroundThe immediate and sustained impacts of the Eat Better Feel Better cooking programme (EBFBCP) on food choices and eating behaviours in families and children were evaluated.MethodsThe EBFBCP (6 weeks, 2 hours/week) was delivered by community-based organisations in Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Scotland. Before, after and at follow-up, parents/caregivers completed short pictorial questionnaires to report family/child eating behaviours and food literacy.ResultsIn total, 83 EBFBCPs were delivered and 516 participants enrolled, of which 432 were parents and caregivers. Questionnaire completion rates were 57% (n=250) for before and after and 13% (n=58) for follow-up. Most participants (80%) were female, 25–44 years old (51%) and considered socioeconomically deprived (80%). The immediate effects of the EBFBCP on eating behaviours and food literacy were families ate less takeaway/fast foods (10% reduction, p=0.019) and ready meals (15% reduction, p=0.003) and cooked more from scratch (20% increase, p<0.001). Children’s consumption of discretionary food/drinks was significantly reduced after the EBFBCP for sugary drinks (10% reduction, p=0.012), savoury snacks (18%, p=0.012), biscuits (17%, p=0.007), sweets/chocolates (23%, p=0.002), fried/roasted potatoes (17%, p<0.001) and savoury pastries (11%, p<0.001). The number of fruit (15%, p=0.008) and vegetable portions (10%, p<0.001) increased, while the number of biscuit portions decreased (13%, p=0.005). Parental food label reading increased (calories, 22%; fat, 23%; sugar, 22%; ingredients, 19%; and portion size, 19%). Most changes were sustained at a median of 10 months’ follow-up.ConclusionThe EBFBCP improved children’s and families’ food choices and behaviours. The EBFBCP can be recommended to support families to make better food choices.

Author(s):  
Shaya MacDonald ◽  
Susan Korol ◽  
Todd Vassallo ◽  
Cathy MacDougall

The current study evaluated the effectiveness of a novel three-hour Guided Mindfulness Program on participants’ management of depression, anxiety and stress. The intervention included an educational component emphasizing the psychological value of mindfulness practice combined with a practical training component in mindfulness techniques. The Depression Anxiety Stress Scale was administered at three points in time before and after participation in the program. Additionally, semi-structured interviews were conducted to explore perceived quality of life, happiness, and stress 4 to 8 weeks following the program. All participants reported improvements in overall well-being and reported significant decreases in negative affect when comparing pre-program scores (baseline) to follow-up scores. Notably, qualitative interview results indicated that participants attributed most positive post-program results to informal mindfulness practice.


2021 ◽  
pp. injuryprev-2020-044013
Author(s):  
Vicki Myers ◽  
Gali Malkin ◽  
Natalie Nir ◽  
Daniella Orr ◽  
Orna Baron-Epel

BackgroundChild injury is particularly prevalent in low socioeconomic populations and minorities. In Israel, Bedouin children exhibit high rates of injuries and death. A multifaceted community intervention to reduce injury in children in and around the home was run in nine Bedouin communities in Southern Israel during 2014–2018. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of the intervention on injuries among children aged 0–4 by comparing emergency room (ER) visits and hospitalisations before and after the intervention.MethodsChild injury data (ages 0–4, 5–17) for 2013–2018 were obtained from Soroka Medical Center, including ER visits and hospitalisations. Further data on reason for hospitalisation and injury severity score (ISS) were obtained from the National Centre for Trauma Research for 2011–2018. Reach was assessed by calculating the per cent of participants from the total relevant population in each town. Poisson regression was used to assess change over time, from preintervention (2013) to postintervention (2018).ResultsA high proportion of educational institutions took part in the intervention, and around 20% of relevant households received a home visit (n=6334). There was a significant reduction in ER visits (7.6%) in children aged 0–4 in 2018 compared with 2013. Hospitalisations did not decrease significantly, although the number of admissions for burns and falls was reduced significantly at follow-up.ConclusionsThis multifaceted intervention programme resulted in reduced injury in children aged 0–4 years in the Bedouin community. The use of simultaneous multiple intervention methods was effective in increasing child safety.


2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Madison Kelly ◽  
Seung-Yeon Lee

Abstract Objectives The objective of this pilot study was to develop and examine the feasibility of implementing the “Most Diabetes and Health Friendly Shelf” initiative at an urban choice food pantry. Methods The “Most Diabetes and Health Friendly Shelf” initiative was developed using grocery store marketing techniques and community based participatory research (CBPR). The CBPR team designed marketing materials and food categorization criteria based on a literature review and current dietary recommendations. The program was designed to assist food pantry users in identifying healthy foods. We highlighted healthier food options within each pantry section using grocery store marketing techniques: priming, colored labeling, framing, and placement. Clients choose items from the highlighted intervention shelf or general shelf. The program was pilot tested in a choice pantry in Cincinnati, OH and usage was tracked for 6 months as part of a longitudinal observational study. The number of items on the intervention shelf versus general shelf was counted before and after pantry sessions. The total number items available, number items taken, and percentage items taken was tracked, calculated, then compared by section and shelf. Results Clients chose a higher total number of items from the intervention shelf (1987 items) compared to the general shelf (1863 items). The intervention shelf had a higher percentage of items taken per month (32–47%) compared to the general shelf (25–45%); however the percentage items taken from the general shelf increased overtime. There was no clear pattern of choices shown across food sections, suggesting factors other than nutrition impacted food choices. CBPR was a feasible mechanism to develop ideas and create an affordable, realistic, and attractive intervention. Despite this, results may be improved and better sustained with an individual assigned to training and marketing the intervention. Conclusions Findings suggested the initiative may be a feasible intervention to implement into a choice food pantry setting. Food pantry clients chose a higher percentage of diabetes-friendly foods, however further research is needed on identifying further outside factors that influence food choices within this population. Funding Sources The Center for Clinical and Translational Science and Training, Partnership Development Grant.


Author(s):  
Kathelijne M.H.H. Bessems ◽  
Evelyne Linssen ◽  
Marion Lomme ◽  
Patricia Van Assema

Good Affordable Food (GAF) is a small-group nutrition education intervention for adults with low socioeconomic status and small incomes. It aims to empower participants to save money on groceries and consume healthier diets. This paper reports the short-term and longer-term effects on behavioural determinants and self-reported behavioural changes. A quasi-experimental control group design was applied with a baseline measurement, a post-test immediately after the intervention, and a follow-up measurement after six months. The study included 237 participants (intervention group: n = 131; control group: n = 106) at baseline, 197 at post-test, and 152 at follow-up. Data were collected by telephone, mostly using closed interview questions. Positive short-term and longer-term effects were found for attitude towards the costs of healthy foods, food label use, and the use of liquid butter or oil to prepare hot meals. Short-term intervention effects related to knowledge towards saving money on groceries, self-efficacy towards healthy eating, portion size awareness, and mindful eating. GAF was effective in changing some determinants and behaviours related to cost and food consumption, however, mostly in the short term. Thereby, it is an example of combining pricing and health information in nutrition education that developers of effective nutrition education for low-income groups can build on.


2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Grainne Kent ◽  
Angeline Traynor ◽  
Kate Darmody ◽  
Tess O'Leary

The study aimed to investigate information technology use, attitudes and acceptance before and after the introduction of technology-based work practices in a community-based educational initiative. A convenience sample of Home Visitors was recruited, and a composite survey was used to collect data on participant use, attitudes and acceptance of technology prior to and following the implementation of the new system. Correlations and paired sample T-tests were used to analyse data. A total of 21 Home Visitors completed the survey at baseline and again at one academic year follow-up. Several factors were identified as potentially important in relation to Home Visitor use of technology which included aspects of both attitude (anxiety dependence) and acceptance (needs satisfaction, support availability and use intention). Paired-sample T-tests revealed little change in participant use of technology, which was high from the outset. Anxiety dependence, a component of attitude, was significantly greater at follow-up in comparison with baseline levels. No significant differences were observed in pre-post self-reported acceptance of technology. These findings serve as a guide for community-based organisations considering a move toward technology-mediated work practices. 


2013 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 30-38
Author(s):  
Ruth Ann Madden ◽  
Heather Kane ◽  
Reina Eisner

Obesity is a disease linked to several cardiovascular and endocrine dysfunctions as well as decreased life expectancy and quality of life. Obesity management is a prevalent and persistent concern in primary care. We implemented an educational intervention to promote self-management for 10 patients in a medically underserved clinic to support patients in addressing weight management through positive self-care behaviors. Lifestyle interventions for these participants resulted in self-reported minimal weight loss with significant and sustained lifestyle modifications, such as healthier food choices, portion control, and increased exercise. Recommendations for the future include the use of health care professionals to educate patients about self-management and goal setting with sustained follow-up in treatment of chronic disease.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer Crodelle ◽  
Celeste Vallejo ◽  
Markus Schmidtchen ◽  
Chad Topaz ◽  
Maria R. D'Orsogna

We examine crime patterns in Santa Monica, California before and after passage of Proposition 47, a 2014 initiative that reclassified some non-violent felonies to misdemeanors. We also study how the 2016 opening of four new light rail stations, and how more community-based policing starting in late 2018, impacted crime. A series of statistical analyses are performed on reclassified (larceny, fraud, possession of narcotics, forgery, receiving/possessing stolen property) and non-reclassified crimes by probing publicly available databases from 2006 to 2019. We compare data before and after passage of Proposition 47, city-wide and within eight neighborhoods. Similar analyses are conducted within a 450 meter radius of the new transit stations. Reports of monthly reclassified crimes increased city-wide by approximately 15% after enactment of Proposition 47, with a significant drop observed in late 2018. Downtown exhibited the largest overall surge. The reported incidence of larceny intensified throughout the city. Two new train stations, including Downtown, reported significant crime increases in their vicinity after service began. While the number of reported reclassified crimes increased after passage of Proposition 47, those not affected by the new law decreased or stayed constant, suggesting that Proposition 47 strongly impacted crime in Santa Monica. Reported crimes decreased in late 2018 concurrent with the adoption of new policing measures that enhanced outreach and patrolling. These findings may be relevant to law enforcement and policy-makers. Follow-up studies needed to confirm long-term trends may be affected by the COVID-19 pandemic that drastically changed societal conditions.


Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 1080
Author(s):  
Fakir Md. Yunus ◽  
Chowdhury Jalal ◽  
Gordon A. Zello ◽  
Kaosar Afsana ◽  
Albert Vandenberg ◽  
...  

Widely consumed daal (lentils) in Bangladesh are an ideal vehicle for iron (Fe) fortification; however, an acceptable portion size in meals needs to be determined to carry out a community feeding study in at-risk adolescent girls. A non-randomized crossover trial was conducted with n = 100 Bangladeshi girls (12.9 ± 2.0 years of age). Two recipes (thin and thick) and three portion sizes (25 g, 37.5 g, 50 g of raw lentil) of daal were served with 250 g of cooked white rice in a counter-balanced manner over 12 weeks. Each meal was fed to participants 5 days/week for two weeks. Ratings of hunger, satiety, and palatability were measured before and after each meal using Visual Analog Scales (VAS). The thick preparation in the 37.5 g portion (~200 g cooked) elicited higher VAS ratings of hunger, satiety, and palatability compared to all other meals. The 50 g portion of the thin preparation had VAS ratings similar to those of the 37.5 g thick preparation. Consuming the 37.5 g portion of fortified daal would provide 6.9 mg Fe/day to girls in a community-based effectiveness study. This would meet ~86% and ~46% of the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for Fe for girls aged 9–13 and 14–18 years, respectively.


Author(s):  
Ute Ritterfeld ◽  
Timo Lüke

Abstract. Audio stories offer a unique blend of narrative entertainment with language learning opportunities as a user’s enjoyment is dependent on their processing of the linguistic content. A total of 138 third- and fourth-graders from low socioeconomic status and migrant families recruited from a metropolitan area in Germany participated in a randomized pre–post follow-up intervention study with a control group. Children listened to a tailored crime story of approximately 90 min over a period of 3 days within the classroom setting. Entertainment value for the age group was established in a pilot study. Outcome variables included semantic and grammatical skills in German and were administered before (pretest), shortly after intervention (posttest), and 2 weeks later (follow-up). We used nonverbal intelligence, reading, comprehension skills, age and sex as control variables. Results indicate a strong positive effect of media reception on language skills. The effectiveness of the intervention is discussed with reference to different linguistic domains, entertainment value, and compensatory effects in populations at risk of language learning deficits.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document