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Title: Effectiveness of the Mississippi communities for healthy living (MCHL) nutrition intervention

Author
item CONNELL, CAROL - University Of Southern Mississippi
item LANDRY, ALICIA - University Of Southern Mississippi
item HUYE, HOLLY - University Of Southern Mississippi
item CROOK, LASHAUNDREA - University Of Southern Mississippi
item YADRICK, KATHY - University Of Southern Mississippi

Submitted to: Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/12/2013
Publication Date: 7/1/2013
Citation: Connell, C.L., Landry, A.S., Huye, H.F., Crook, L., Yadrick, K. 2013. Effectiveness of the Mississippi communities for healthy living (MCHL) nutrition intervention [abstract]. Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior. 45(4):S51.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The objective of our study was to determine the effectiveness of two nutrition interventions targeting women's social/civic organizations in the Lower Mississippi Delta. Diffusion of Innovation theory and the RE-AIM structured framework for program development and evaluation guided the 6-month MCHL nutrition intervention. Intervention components included six education sessions with food demonstrations and home challenges, newsletters, and group "champions" to foster social support for dietary changes. Sixteen organizations (319 participants) were randomly assigned to one of two education groups using cluster sampling. A single message (SM) group received nutrition education on reducing solid fat and added sugars while a multiple message (MM) group received nutrition education on increasing whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and decreasing solid fats and added sugars. Dietary intake was assessed three months prior to intervention (T0), one week prior to intervention (T1), and immediately post-intervention (T2). Two hundred forty participants completed the T2 assessment (75% retention). HEI 2005 component and total scores were calculated from the Delta NIRI/Jackson Heart Study FFQ. Differences over time and between groups were assessed using repeated measures MANCOVA with T0 HEI scores as a covariate. Alpha < .05. Significant improvements occurred over time for both groups in total HEI 2005 (p= .007) and for whole grains, meat and beans, solid fats, total and dark green/orange vegetables (p< .001), and oils (p= .01). There were no between group differences except for total and whole fruit (MM > SM; p< .01). A 6-month, multi-component nutrition intervention tailored to women's social/civic groups is effective in improving HEI 2005 scores whether targeting one HEI component or several.