The effect of adding group-based counselling to individual lifestyle counselling on changes in dietary intake. The Inter99 study – a randomized controlled trial
2008

Effect of Group-Based Counselling on Dietary Changes

Sample size: 2356 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Ulla Toft, Lis Kristoffersen, Steen Ladelund, Lars Ovesen, Cathrine Lau, Charlotta Pisinger, Lisa von Huth Smith, Knut Borch-Johnsen, Torben Jørgensen

Primary Institution: Research Centre for Prevention and Health, Glostrup University Hospital

Hypothesis

Does adding group-based diet and exercise counselling to individual lifestyle counselling lead to better dietary habits?

Conclusion

Group-based counselling in addition to individual counselling resulted in small but significant improvements in dietary habits over five years.

Supporting Evidence

  • Group A had a significant increase in the unsaturated/saturated fat ratio compared to group B.
  • Men in group A showed a greater decrease in saturated fat intake at one-year follow-up.
  • At five-year follow-up, group A had significantly increased fish intake compared to group B.

Takeaway

This study shows that having group meetings about diet can help people eat a little healthier over time.

Methodology

A randomized controlled trial with high-risk individuals receiving both individual and group-based counselling over five years.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to low participation rates and loss to follow-up.

Limitations

The low participation rate in group counselling may have limited the observed effects.

Participant Demographics

Participants were aged 30 to 60 years, with a mix of genders and varying levels of education and health risks.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.01

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1479-5868-5-59

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