title: The Mediterranean diet among British older adults: Its understanding, acceptability and the feasibility of a randomised brief intervention with two levels of dietary advice.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess (i) understanding, acceptability and preference for two graphical displays of the Mediterranean diet (MD); and (ii) feasibility of a brief MD intervention and cost of adherence to this diet among British older adults.
  
  
  METHODS
  Two studies undertaken at the Human Nutrition Research Centre, Newcastle University are reported. In study-1, preference and understanding of the MD guidelines and two graphical displays, a plate and a pyramid, were evaluated in an educational group session (EGS). In study-2, we evaluated the feasibility of a three-week brief MD intervention with two levels of dietary advice: Group-1 (level 1) attended an EGS on the MD, and Group-2 (level 2) attended an EGS and received additional support. MD adherence using a 9-point score, and the cost of food intake during intervention, were assessed. RESULTS STUDY-1: No differences in preference for a MD plate or pyramid were observed. Both graphic displays were rated as acceptable and conveyed clearly these guidelines. STUDY-2: The intervention was rated as acceptable. No significant differences were observed between groups 1 and 2. Analysis of the combined sample showed significant increases from baseline in fish intake (P=0.01) and MD score (P=0.05). The cost of food intake during intervention was not significantly different from baseline.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  British older adults rated a MD as an acceptable model of healthy eating, and a plate and a pyramid as comprehensible graphic displays of these guidelines. A brief dietary intervention was also acceptable and revealed that greater adherence to the MD could be achieved without incurring significantly greater costs.
authors: Human Nutrition Research Centre, Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University, UK. Electronic address: jose.lara@ncl.a.uk.
authors: Jose
authors: J
authors: Lara
authors: Human Nutrition Research Centre, Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University, UK.
authors: Edel
authors: E
authors: Turbett
authors: Human Nutrition Research Centre, Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University, UK.
authors: Agata
authors: A
authors: Mckevic
authors: Human Nutrition Research Centre, Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University, UK.
authors: Kate
authors: K
authors: Rudgard
authors: Human Nutrition Research Centre, Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University, UK.
authors: Henrietta
authors: H
authors: Hearth
authors: Human Nutrition Research Centre, Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University, UK.
authors: John C
authors: JC
authors: Mathers
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003258:Consumer Behavior; D003376:Counseling; D003626:Data Display; D038441:Diet, Mediterranean / Q000191:economics; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D006266:Health Education; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D006113:United Kingdom
keywords: Acceptability; Brief interventions; Cost; Food-based food guidelines graphical display; Mediterranean diet; Understanding