Effectiveness of a nutrition intervention with rural low-income women

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate Cookin' Up Health, a computer-based interactive nutrition intervention.

Methods: After randomization to intervention and control groups, 262 women in rural clinics in West Virginia completed both a baseline and 3-month follow-up survey.

Results: Compared to the control group, the intervention group had significantly improved scores on knowledge of dietary fats, food label reading, and readiness to eat 5 fruits and vegetables a day and foods lower in fat.

Conclusions: This brief interactive nutrition intervention shows potential as a strategy to begin the process of change, but follow-up may be needed for actual behavior change to occur.