Effects of a Worksite Intervention on Dietary Behavior
Author Information
Author(s): Engbers Luuk H, van Poppel Mireille NM, Chin A Paw Marijke, van Mechelen Willem
Primary Institution: VU University Medical Center
Hypothesis
Can a controlled worksite environmental intervention change dietary behavior and intake of fruits, vegetables, and fats among office workers?
Conclusion
The intervention modestly changed behavioral determinants towards eating less fat but did not significantly change actual fat, fruit, and vegetable intake.
Supporting Evidence
- Subjects at the intervention worksite perceived more social support from colleagues in eating less fat.
- At 12 months, the attitude and self-efficacy towards eating less fat became less positive in the intervention group.
- No significant effects were found on self-reported fat, fruit, and vegetable intake.
Takeaway
This study tried to help office workers eat healthier by changing their work environment, but it didn't really make them eat more fruits and vegetables or less fat.
Methodology
A controlled trial with two governmental companies, measuring dietary behavior and intake at baseline, 3 months, and 12 months.
Potential Biases
No randomization was performed, which could introduce bias between the intervention and control groups.
Limitations
The intervention was modest and may not have been impactful enough to change dietary habits significantly.
Participant Demographics
Primarily white-collar, highly educated office workers, with a mean age of approximately 45 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 0.08; 0.60
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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