Author
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Colby, Sarah |
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Submitted to: Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal Publication Acceptance Date: 9/23/2006 Publication Date: 1/1/2007 Citation: Colby, S.E. 2007. Peer-led theater as a nutrition education strategy. Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior. 39:48-49. Interpretive Summary: Research has shown that theater presented to youth with a nutrition message has been successful in resulting in positive changes in knowledge and behavior. However, peer-led approaches and use of theater with multicultural groups are not found in the literature. The objective of this research was to identify and categorize a unique nutrition education strategy for the promotion of the traditional healthy Latino diet with Mexican-American youth. A registered dietitian facilitated a four-week theater nutrition education process. After the intervention, respondents thought the American diet (group defined as hotdogs, hamburgers, pizza and French fries) was less healthy than the traditional Mexican diet (group defined as beans, fruit, and vegetables). They also reported liking vegetables more, planning to or trying to eat more beans, fruits and vegetables, and less sugar after the intervention. No changes occurred in these variables in the non-intervention group. Peer-led theater nutrition education appeared effective in increasing knowledge and changing attitudes and behaviors of Latino youth. Technical Abstract: Research has shown that theater presented to youth with a nutrition message has been successful in resulting in positive changes in knowledge and behavior. However, peer-led approaches and use of theater with multicultural groups are not found in the literature. The objective of this research was to identify and categorize a unique nutrition education strategy for the promotion of the traditional healthy Latino diet with Mexican-American youth. A registered dietitian facilitated a four-week theater nutrition education process. After the intervention, respondents thought the American diet (group defined as hotdogs, hamburgers, pizza and French fries) was less healthy than the traditional Mexican diet (group defined as beans, fruit, and vegetables). They also reported liking vegetables more, planning to or trying to eat more beans, fruits and vegetables, and less sugar after the intervention. No changes occurred in these variables in the non-intervention group. Peer-led theater nutrition education appeared effective in increasing knowledge and changing attitudes and behaviors of Latino youth. |
