Faith-based intervention to increase fruit and vegetable intake among Koreans in the USA: a feasibility pilot.
In the USA, adults of Korean descent tend to eat fewer vegetables than adults in South Korea. The present pilot study examined the feasibility of developing and implementing a faith-based intervention to improve knowledge, attitudes and intake of fruit and vegetables (F&V) for Koreans in the USA.



Feasibility pilot using a cluster-randomized intervention trial design. The multicomponent intervention included motivational interviewing sessions by telephone and church-based group activities.



Eleven of the largest Korean churches in Southern California.



Adults (n 71) from the eleven Korean churches.



Feasibility was demonstrated for the study procedures, including recruitment of churches and individual participants. Allocating time throughout the study for church collaboration and having a study church coordinator to coordinate multiple churches were crucial. Participants' attendance at church activities (89 %) and participation by pastors and fellow churchgoers exceeded expectations. Participants' use of intervention materials was high (94 % or above) and satisfaction with coaching sessions was also high (75 % or above). Having a centralized coach trained in motivational interviewing, instead of one at each church, proved practical. Pilot results are promising for F&V knowledge, attitudes and behaviours. The intervention group improved knowledge and intake of the recommended amounts of F&V, above that of the control group.



This pilot suggests that Koreans in the USA can be reached through their church and that a faith-based intervention study can be implemented to increase F&V intake. Preliminary results for the intervention appear promising but further research is needed to properly evaluate its efficacy.
Graduate School of Public Health,San Diego State University,9245 Sky Park Court,Suite 230,San Diego,California 92123,USA.
Suzanne C
SC
Hughes
Graduate School of Public Health,San Diego State University,9245 Sky Park Court,Suite 230,San Diego,California 92123,USA.
Saori
S
Obayashi
D000328:Adult; D002140:California; D016000:Cluster Analysis; D004435:Eating / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000523:psychology*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000208:ethnology / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D005638:Fruit; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D000071252:Mentoring / Q000379:methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012067:Religion; D056910:Republic of Korea / Q000208:ethnology; D014675:Vegetables
Church; Fruits and vegetables; Intervention; Korean; Pilot