Uptake, retention, and delivery of community dietary interventions within low socioeconomic populations

To evaluate levels of uptake and retention in community-based dietary interventions for low socioeconomic status (SES) populations, to identify barriers and facilitators of uptake and retention, and to compare the characteristics of interventions with optimal and suboptimal uptake and retention.

Databases were searched for relevant records published before March 2024. N = 114 papers met the inclusion criteria. Data were narratively synthesised, and intervention content was coded for behaviour change techniques (BCT).

Uptake and retention were suboptimal at an average of 80 and 71%, respectively. Interventions with higher uptake and/or retention were shorter in duration, more likely to be group-based and more likely to include the BCT 'providing information about health consequences'. A thematic analysis of barriers and facilitators identified that logistical challenges, socioeconomic factors, and low motivation hindered uptake and retention, while social support, practical assistance, and the provision of tailored interventions facilitated it.

These results highlight the need to improve participant engagement and retention strategies in dietary interventions targeting low SES individuals by, for example, implementing different behaviour change techniques, altering the duration, setting or delivery of interventions and tailoring interventions to align them with the unique needs of this population group.