An Environmental Intervention to Encourage Healthy Food Choices

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The primary objective of this study is to test effectiveness of an environmental intervention designed to encourage healthy food intake during meals. It is hypothesized that fruit, vegetable, whole grain, lean protein, and low-fat dairy consumption will increase during the intervention. It is also hypothesized that nutrition knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors will change as a result of the intervention. The findings from this study will provide insight into the applicability of this intervention in military dining facilities.

Detailed Description
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Previous studies attempting to increase consumption of healthy foods in military dining facilities have had mixed results, and alternative approaches need to be considered. The present intervention was designed with the results of previous studies in mind, and as such, does not focus on labeling only healthy food choices. Instead, the present intervention aims to encourage consumption of nutritionally well-balanced meals using an environmental cue in military dining facilities.

Official Title
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Encouraging Healthy Food Choices With an Environmental Intervention in Military Dining Facilities

Conditions
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Dietary Habits, Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: Healthy meal plates and trays


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Military member or government civilian employee Normally eat in military dining facility at least 1 day per week. Exclusion Criteria: N/A

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Prevention
Allocation: Non-Randomized
Intervention Model: Crossover Assignment
Masking: Single


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Short Intervention<br>All participants will be measured for (1) baseline, (2) two-week environmental intervention: Healthy meal plates and trays, and (3) withdraw of intervention. | Other: Healthy meal plates and trays<br>* The healthy meal plates and trays provide guidance for how to construct a meal in the military dining facility.<br>|
| Experimental: Long Intervention<br>All participants will be measured for (1) baseline, (2) four-week environmental intervention: Healthy meal plates and trays, and (3) withdraw of intervention. | Other: Healthy meal plates and trays<br>* The healthy meal plates and trays provide guidance for how to construct a meal in the military dining facility.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Change in dietary intake | Dietary intake will be assessed at lunches eaten in military dining facilities using the food photography method. The change in dietary intake from baseline to intervention will be assessed. | Participants will be followed for 6-12 weeks | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Change in nutrition knowledge | Nutrition knowledge specific to the intervention will be assessed with an experimenter-developed questionnaire. | Measured at beginning and end of the 6-12 week study. | 
| Change in nutrition attitudes and behaviors (composite) | Nutrition attitudes and behaviors will be measured with a single composite experimenter-developed questionnaire. | Measured at the beginning and end of the 6-12 week study. |