Direction for nutrition education determined by target group segmentation

Target group segmentation was carried out on the basis of data from a Dutch national survey concerning knowledge of, attitudes toward, and behavior concerning cardiovascular risk factors. Objectives were to characterize those persons with less desirable dietary practices and to seek clues for directing nutrition education to them or the primary prevention of coronary heart disease. Results of the study indicated that nutrition education should be directed primarily toward men 18 to 44 years of age, with large families, in the lower socioeconomic strata, and with food practices that are least in accord with the dietary recommendations. The education methods should include television programs as well as group counseling or face-to-face instruction directed at young families.