Nutrition and physical activity interventions for low-income populations

A systematic review was conducted of community-based nutrition and physical activity strategies for chronic disease prevention targeting low-income populations. A computer search of the relevant published literature from 1996 to 2004 was done using Medline, EMBASE, ERIC, CINAHL, PubMed, and HealthSTAR databases. The primary objective was to develop an inventory of intervention strategies. The interventions ranged in approach from traditional group sessions taught by allied health professionals, peer-led workshops, one-on-one counselling print material, and home-based telephone and mail interventions to multimedia strategies and experiential activities such as food demonstrations and group exercise. The results suggest that nutrition and physical activity interventions aimed at low-income audiences tend to be delivered in an interactive visual format, to be culturally appropriate, to be administered in accessible primary care settings, and to provide incentives.