Personal Factors and Nutrition Intentions of Participants in a Nutrition Education Program for Limited-Resource...

Background/Objectives: This exploratory, cross-sectional study examined the relationships between personal factors and the nutrition intentions of participants in Healthy Choices for Your Recovering Body (HCYRB), a nutrition education program for limited-resource adults in substance use recovery (SUR). Methods: The study used a single-sample survey design where HCYRB participants (n = 2163) completed a post-participation survey. Linear regression models were tested to assess the effects of personal factors such as nutrition knowledge, cooking skills, self-efficacy beliefs and current nutrition and physical activity practices on participants' nutrition intentions. Variables were measured with a self-reported survey that participants completed after participation in HCRYB. Results: The final model (R² = 0.39) showed statistically significant effects of self-efficacy beliefs, specifically, food resource management confidence and confidence to choose nutritious foods; current levels of water, soda, and energy drink consumption; physical activity level; and gender on nutrition intentions. Conclusions: Overall, the findings suggest that nutrition-related self-efficacy and current practices influence nutrition intentions of HCYRB participants. Future programs may focus on building participants' nutrition-related confidence during SUR to enhance intentions and eventual behavior change. Such strategies may include programming activities that promote and affirm participants' current positive nutrition-related behaviors (e.g., adequate consumption of water and involvement in physical activity). As participants master these healthy practices throughout the nutrition education experience, they will be more likely to gain confidence and motivation toward continuing the behavior throughout their recovery journey.