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. 2017 Jun 9:3:27.
doi: 10.1186/s40814-017-0141-z. eCollection 2017.

Physical micro-environment interventions for healthier eating in the workplace: protocol for a stepped wedge randomised controlled pilot trial

Milica Vasiljevic  1 , Emma Cartwright  1 , Rachel Pechey  1 , Gareth J Hollands  1 , Dominique-Laurent Couturier  1 , Susan A Jebb  1   2 , Theresa M Marteau  1
Affiliations

Physical micro-environment interventions for healthier eating in the workplace: protocol for a stepped wedge randomised controlled pilot trial

Milica Vasiljevic et al. Pilot Feasibility Stud. .

Abstract

Background: An estimated one third of energy is consumed in the workplace. The workplace is therefore an important context in which to reduce energy consumption to tackle the high rates of overweight and obesity in the general population. Altering environmental cues for food selection and consumption-physical micro-environment or 'choice architecture' interventions-has the potential to reduce energy intake. The first aim of this pilot trial is to estimate the potential impact upon energy purchased of three such environmental cues (size of portions, packages and tableware; availability of healthier vs. less healthy options; and energy labelling) in workplace cafeterias. A second aim of this pilot trial is to examine the feasibility of recruiting eligible worksites, and identify barriers to the feasibility and acceptability of implementing the interventions in preparation for a larger trial.

Methods: Eighteen worksite cafeterias in England will be assigned to one of three intervention groups to assess the impact on energy purchased of altering (a) portion, package and tableware size (n = 6); (b) availability of healthier options (n = 6); and (c) energy (calorie) labelling (n = 6). Using a stepped wedge design, sites will implement allocated interventions at different time periods, as randomised.

Discussion: This pilot trial will examine the feasibility of recruiting eligible worksites, and the feasibility and acceptability of implementing the interventions in preparation for a larger trial. In addition, a series of linear mixed models will be used to estimate the impact of each intervention on total energy (calories) purchased per time frame of analysis (daily or weekly) controlling for the total sales/transactions adjusted for calendar time and with random effects for worksite. These analyses will allow an estimate of an effect size of each of the three proposed interventions, which will form the basis of the sample size calculations necessary for a larger trial.

Trial registration: ISRCTN52923504.

Keywords: Availability; Choice architecture; Healthier eating; Labelling; Nudging; Physical micro-environment interventions; Randomised controlled trial; Size; Stepped wedge trial; Workplace interventions.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
An example of intervening on the size of packaged products (e.g. replacing a 500 ml bottle with a 375 ml bottle or 330 ml bottle or can)
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
A graphical presentation of the availability intervention (e.g. replacing a proportion of higher energy options with lower energy ones)
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
An example of a product displaying energy labelling
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
A graphical presentation of the stepped wedge design used for each intervention in the study
Fig. 5
Fig. 5
CONSORT flow diagram
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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