Angeliki Papadaki1, Andreas Thanasoulias2, Rachael Pound2, Simon J Sebire2, Russell Jago2. 1. Centre for Exercise, Nutrition, and Health Sciences, School for Policy Studies, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom. Electronic address: Angeliki.Papadaki@bristol.ac.uk. 2. Centre for Exercise, Nutrition, and Health Sciences, School for Policy Studies, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Explore employees' perceptions of ability to follow the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet), preferences for setting goals if asked to follow the MedDiet, and expectations of an Internet-based, workplace MedDiet intervention. DESIGN: Seven focus groups to guide intervention development. SETTING: Four workplaces (business/professional services, government branches) in Southwest England. PARTICIPANTS: Employees (n = 29, 51.7% women), ages 24-58 years. PHENOMENON OF INTEREST: Ability to follow the MedDiet; preferences for goal-setting if asked to follow the MedDiet; intervention content. ANALYSIS: Data were analyzed with the use of thematic analysis. RESULTS: Participants perceived that adhering to some MedDiet recommendations would be challenging and highlighted cost, taste, and cooking skills as adherence barriers. Behavior change preferences included a tailored approach to goal-setting, reviewing goal progress via a website/smartphone app, and receiving expert feedback via an app/website/text/face-to-face session. Desirable features of an Internet-based MedDiet application included recipes, interactivity, nutritional information, shopping tips, cost-saving information, and a companion smartphone app. Engaging in social support was deemed important to facilitate adherence. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: An Internet-based, workplace MedDiet intervention should address adherence barriers, utilize a tailored approach to setting and reviewing goals, and activate social support to facilitate adherence. These findings provide insights to planning to promote the MedDiet in non-Mediterranean regions.
OBJECTIVE: Explore employees' perceptions of ability to follow the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet), preferences for setting goals if asked to follow the MedDiet, and expectations of an Internet-based, workplace MedDiet intervention. DESIGN: Seven focus groups to guide intervention development. SETTING: Four workplaces (business/professional services, government branches) in Southwest England. PARTICIPANTS: Employees (n = 29, 51.7% women), ages 24-58 years. PHENOMENON OF INTEREST: Ability to follow the MedDiet; preferences for goal-setting if asked to follow the MedDiet; intervention content. ANALYSIS: Data were analyzed with the use of thematic analysis. RESULTS:Participants perceived that adhering to some MedDiet recommendations would be challenging and highlighted cost, taste, and cooking skills as adherence barriers. Behavior change preferences included a tailored approach to goal-setting, reviewing goal progress via a website/smartphone app, and receiving expert feedback via an app/website/text/face-to-face session. Desirable features of an Internet-based MedDiet application included recipes, interactivity, nutritional information, shopping tips, cost-saving information, and a companion smartphone app. Engaging in social support was deemed important to facilitate adherence. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: An Internet-based, workplace MedDiet intervention should address adherence barriers, utilize a tailored approach to setting and reviewing goals, and activate social support to facilitate adherence. These findings provide insights to planning to promote the MedDiet in non-Mediterranean regions.
Authors: Nicole Scannell; Anthony Villani; Evangeline Mantzioris; Libby Swanepoel Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2020-12-13 Impact factor: 3.390