An RCT study to evaluate a targeted, theory driven healthy eating leaflet

Baker, H. J., Butler, L., Chambers, S. A., Traill, W. B., Lobb, A. E. and Herbert, G. (2010) An RCT study to evaluate a targeted, theory driven healthy eating leaflet. Social Science & Medicine, 71 (11). pp. 1916-1920. ISSN 0277-9536 doi: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2010.09.023

Abstract/Summary

A theory based healthy eating leaflet was evaluated against an existing publicly available standard leaflet. The intervention leaflet was designed to encourage healthy eating in 18-30 year olds and was developed by modifying an existing British Nutrition Foundation leaflet. The intervention leaflet targeted attitudes and self-efficacy. Participants (n=104) were randomly assigned either to the intervention, Foundation or a local food leaflet control condition. Cognitions were measured pre-intervention, immediately after reading the corresponding leaflet, and once again at two weeks follow-up. Critically, intentions to eat healthily were significantly greater at follow-up in the Intervention group compared to the other two groups, with the former leaflet also being perceived as more persuasive. The Intervention group also showed evidence of healthier eating at two weeks compared to the other two groups. Collectively the results illustrate the utility of a targeted theory-based approach.