Baseline data and design for a randomized intervention study of dietary change in religious organizations.
BACKGROUND
Reducing dietary fat has been identified as a potential means of preventing chronic disease. Several studies have identified methods of changing dietary fat consumption in small, intensive intervention settings. Fewer studies have examined how to improve dietary habits of individuals in the general public.


METHODS
The Eating for a Healthy Life (EHL) project was a randomized trial [n = 40 religious organizations (ROs) and 2175 individuals, 1099 in intervention]. The study tested an intervention package of self-help books, motivational messages, and social interactions designed to change dietary behaviors (lowering fat, increasing fruit and vegetable consumption) among members of religious organizations aged 18 and over. The primary outcomes are fat- and fruit- or vegetable-related behaviors measured using the Fat and Fiber Behavior (FFB) Questionnaire.


RESULTS
Religious organizations and their members participated fully in the initial study activities.


CONCLUSIONS
This study will support a rigorous test of the intervention package.
Bowen
Deborah J
DJ
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA. dbowen@fhcrc.org
Beresford
Shirley A A
SA
Vu
Thuy
T
Feng
Ziding
Z
Tinker
Lesley
L
Hart
Alton
A
Christensen
Catherine L
CL
McLerran
Dale
D
Satia-Abouta
Jessie
J
Campbell
Marci
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001521:Behavior Therapy; D015992:Body Mass Index; D004034:Diet Surveys; D018752:Diet, Fat-Restricted; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006266:Health Education / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015596:Nutrition Assessment; D009765:Obesity / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012067:Religion; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity