title: Evaluation of a Shelter-Based Diet and Physical Activity Intervention for Homeless Adults.
abstract: The current study evaluated the feasibility and effectiveness of a diet and physical activity intervention for homeless adults.
  
  
  
  Shelter residents (N = 32) were randomly assigned to a 4-week diet and physical activity intervention (n = 17) or an assessment-only control group (n = 15). Intervention participants received tailored educational newsletters, pedometers with step goals, and twice daily fruit/vegetable snacks. Key measures included 24-hour dietary recall interviews and accelerometer-measured moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA).
  
  
  
  At baseline, 68.8% of participants were overweight or obese, 93.8% reported food insecurity, and 43.8% reported activity levels below physical activity guidelines. Baseline dietary recall interviews indicated low fruit/vegetable consumption, and elevated intake of added sugar, saturated fat, and sodium relative to current dietary recommendations. During the 4-week study period, intervention participants engaged in significantly greater accelerometer-measured daily MVPA (P < .001) than controls (median = 60 daily minutes p vs. 41 daily minutes). Between groups differences in fruit/vegetable consumption at the end of treatment did not reach statistical significance. Most participants reported that the intervention was helpful for increasing fruit/vegetable intake and physical activity.
  
  
  
  Findings highlight the potential to improve dietary quality and increase physical activity among sheltered homeless adults.
authors: Darla E
authors: DE
authors: Kendzor
authors: Marlyn
authors: M
authors: Allicock
authors: Michael S
authors: MS
authors: Businelle
authors: Lona F
authors: LF
authors: Sandon
authors: Kelley Pettee
authors: KP
authors: Gabriel
authors: Summer G
authors: SG
authors: Frank
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004032:Diet; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006293:Health Promotion; D006703:Ill-Housed Persons; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: accelerometry; health disparities; health promotion; intervention study; pedometry