Randomized trial testing the effect of peer education at increasing fruit and vegetable intake

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.