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Demonstration of an E-mailed worksite nutrition intervention program
Gladys Block1, Torin Block, Patricia Wakimoto
1Public Health Nutrition Program, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, 94720, USA. gblock@berkeley.edu
Preventing Chronic Disease
|January 27, 2005
Summary
An email-based program effectively improved employees' dietary habits, increasing fruit and vegetable intake and reducing fat consumption. This intervention shows promise for large-scale, cost-effective public health initiatives.
Area of Science:
- Nutrition Science
- Behavioral Science
- Public Health Interventions
Background:
- Dietary fat and low fruit/vegetable intake are linked to chronic diseases.
- U.S. population intake of fruits/vegetables falls below recommendations.
- Effective, inexpensive interventions are needed for widespread population reach.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility and effectiveness of an e-mail delivered intervention.
- To reduce dietary fat intake and increase fruit and vegetable consumption among employees.
- To evaluate behavior change principles including tailoring, feedback, and goal setting.
Main Methods:
- A 12-week, e-mail-based program was delivered to corporate employees.
- Intervention utilized tailored content, feedback, family involvement, and goal setting.
- Automated assessment, tailoring, and delivery via weekly e-mails.
Main Results:
- High employee satisfaction reported with the program.
- Significant improvement in Stage of Change observed (74% forward movement).
- Significant increase in fruit/vegetable consumption (0.73 servings/day) and decrease in fat intake (-0.39 servings/day).
Conclusions:
- The e-mail intervention is feasible, inexpensive, and appears effective.
- This program demonstrates potential for large-scale dietary behavior change.
- A randomized controlled trial is recommended for further validation.