Impact of Two Cardiovascular Disease Reduction Education Programs Varying in the Type of Nutrition Information Provided

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to determine the impact of two worksite cardiovascular nutrition education programs. Program 1 focused on information related to the skills needed to change dietary behaviours (1 session, 45 minutes). Program 2 focused on information related to skills as well as cardiovascular risk factors (1 session, 60 minutes). The study sample consisted of office employees at three worksites. The pretest consisted of questions pertaining to: frequency of consumption of high fat foods, knowledge related to the risk and skills components of the program, and self-report of family and personal history of cardiovascular disease. Of employees who completed the pretest, 67% (55/82) in Program 1, 88% (46/52) in Program 2, and 86% (30/35) in the control group completed the post-test (six weeks after the programs). The results of regression analysis indicated that participants of Program 1 (skills only) reduced their frequency of consumption of high fat foods (p < 0.01); no other variables were significant. Nutrition education programs for the prevention of cardiovascular disease should focus on information related to skills when limited time is available.