Improving nutrition knowledge in a drug and alcohol rehabilitation setting through group nutrition education

Abstract

Although excellent opportunities exist for controlled nutrition education studies in the drug and alcohol rehabilitation setting, few studies have been conducted on this population. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of group nutrition education on improving nutrition knowledge and awareness in a drug and alcohol rehabilitation setting. A pilot test was administered to foodservice personnel and adapted for the study. One hundred fifty two residents were divided into 8 groups of approximately 20 each. A ten question pre-test was administered to each group followed by a nutrition education session. In addition to the group nutrition education, menu items were nutritionally analyzed by computer and cards were displayed on trayline listing total calories, total fat grams, percentage of calories from fat, and milligrams of sodium for each item. A post-test (n=112) was administered one week later. Pre-test and post-test data were statistically compared using the Student's t test for paired data and a statistically significant difference was found between pre-test and post-test scores (mean scores = 40.9 & 65.4 respectively; p<.001). Anecdotal evidence indicates an increased interest in nutrition by the residents. This study demonstrates that nutrition education can be effectively integrated into a drug and alcohol rehabilitation program producing increased nutrition knowledge and awareness.