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Randomized trial testing the effect of peer education at increasing fruit and vegetable intake
D B Buller1, C Morrill, D Taren
1D.B. Buller, AMC Cancer Research Center, Denver, CO, USA. bullerd@amc.org
Journal of the National Cancer Institute
|September 2, 1999
Summary
Peer education effectively increased fruit and vegetable intake among lower socioeconomic, multicultural employees. This intervention demonstrated lasting positive effects on dietary habits in a workplace setting.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Nutrition Science
- Health Behavior Interventions
Background:
- National Cancer Institute recommends 5 daily servings of fruits and vegetables.
- Existing strategies may not reach minority and lower socioeconomic populations.
- Peer education tested for increasing fruit and vegetable intake in a lower socioeconomic, multicultural workforce.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a peer education program on fruit and vegetable consumption.
- To assess the impact of the intervention on dietary habits in a specific employee demographic.
Main Methods:
- Randomized trial with 2091 employees over 18 months.
- Utilized social networks (cliques) with peer educators in intervention groups.
- Measured fruit and vegetable intake via 24-hour recall and food-frequency questionnaires at baseline, 18 months, and 6-month follow-up.
Main Results:
- Statistically significant increase in daily servings of fruits and vegetables observed.
- Intake recall showed an increase of 0.77 servings (P<.0001) and food-frequency showed an increase of 0.46 servings (P=.002) at 18 months.
- Positive effects on intake recall persisted at 6-month follow-up (increase of 0.41 servings; P=.034).
Conclusions:
- Peer education is an effective strategy for increasing fruit and vegetable intake.
- The intervention successfully targeted lower socioeconomic, multicultural adult employees.
- Workplace-based peer education can promote healthier dietary behaviors in diverse populations.