Abstract P054: Plant-based Nutrition And Lifestyle Intervention To Improve Dietary Behaviors Among Black Adults In The South

Abstract

Background: Plant-based diets may reduce risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and help with weight management, particularly in communities where the burden of chronic disease is high. However, little research has been done on plant-based diet implementation in rural Black communities that are disproportionately affected with obesity/CVD. Since dietary behaviors are closely linked to cultural identity in this community, intervention strategies are needed to preserve cultural traditions while addressing lifestyle behaviors that reduce CVD risk. Methods: The Veggie & Soul pilot program was a 12-week plant-based nutrition and lifestyle intervention implemented in 2020 to prioritize and educate Black adults in rural Georgia about the benefits of a healthy diet and encourage increased consumption of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Weekly nutrition education sessions were implemented, in addition to support groups and cooking classes. Multiple instruments for dietary assessment were collected at baseline and 12 weeks including: (1) food frequency questionnaire; (2) food behavior survey, and (3) two 24-hour dietary recalls (1 weekend and 1 weekday). Paired t-tests explored differences between baseline and 12-week measurements. Results: Twenty-four participants (22 women, 2 men) completed the intervention. Participants doubled their daily servings of fruit from baseline to 12 weeks (1.3 vs. 2.6 servings respectively; p<.001) and reported a 76% increase in daily vegetable servings (1.7 vs. 3.0 servings respectively; p<.001). There was also a 90% increase in daily servings of whole grain (1 vs. 1.9 servings respectively; p=0.014). Further, results showed a significant reduction in intake of nutrients to limit including cholesterol (-83%; p<.001), saturated fat (-42%; p<.001), sodium (-28%; p=.004), and added sugars (-54%; p-.002). At baseline, 46% of participants agreed or strongly agreed that “a diet without meat is satisfactory and nutritious.” At 12 weeks, 95% of participants agreed or strongly agreed with this statement (p<.001). There was a significant increase in participant confidence in preparing healthy meals by the end of the intervention (p=.03). Median weight change was 9.6 lbs, with a decrease in both body mass index and waist circumference (p<.001). Waist-hip ratio reductions were also mildly significant (p=0.058). Conclusion: Implementing a 12-week nutrition and lifestyle intervention among Black adults in the rural South improved reported dietary behaviors that may impact obesity and cardiovascular risk. Long-term interventions are needed that will promote permanent behavior changes to improve health in similar communities.