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Evidence summaries

Nutrition Education

The most effective nutrition education programs appear to be those that are behaviourally focused, ongoing, and multifaceted. Level of evidence: "B"

A systematic narrative review 1 including 217 studies was abstracted in DARE. In general, interventions that used educational methods directed at behavioural changes as a goal were more effective than interventions that focused on dissemination of information with the assumption that such information will result in change in attitudes and behaviour. More effective educational strategies have the following characteristics:

- They take into account the motivations of particular population groups

- They involve self-assessment and feedback

- They require active participation.

Availability of healthy food in restaurants and the community supports the maintenance of change.

Comment: The quality of evidence is downgraded by potential reporting bias (only studies conducted in the United States).

    References

    • The effectiveness of nutrition education and implications for nutrition education policy, programs, and research: a review of research. J Nutr Educ 1995;27:277-418. [DARE]

Primary/Secondary Keywords