The Effect of a Clinical-based Intervention on the Diet Quality of Postpartum Women

Abstract

Objective: This study was designed to determine whether a clinically based intervention with a focus on deep-yellow and dark-green vegetable intake would be feasible and effective in enhancing the dietary quality of postpartum overweight women. Design, Setting and Participants: This was a prospective study in a clinical setting. Fifty-five women between the ages of 18 and 40 years, with a body mass index greater than 25 kg/m, were recruited at their 6-week postpartum appointment between 2006 and 2009 and were assigned to either an intervention group (n 1⁄4 30) or a control group (n 1⁄4 25). Intervention: The intervention group received nutrition education consisting of one face-to-face session, 2 follow-up telephone calls, and 3 mailed pamphlets. The control group received standard education materials only. Outcome Measures and Analysis: Three-day food recalls were completed at baseline (6 weeks postdelivery) and posttreatment (6 months postdelivery), and food group, nutrient, and caloric intakes were assessed. Results: Participants in the intervention group had statistically significant increases from baseline to postintervention in intake of total vegetables (P < .001), target vegetables, and total yellow vegetables (P < .01), betacarotene, alpha-carotene, lycopene (P < .05), and potassium (P < .01), whereas caloric intake significantly decreased (P < .05). The control group did not experience any change in outcomes from baseline to postintervention. In contrast to the comparison group, the intervention group's changes were significantly different for consumption of total vegetables and total yellow vegetables (P < .01), beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, and lycopene (P < .05). Conclusions and Implications: These findings suggest that nutrition education is feasible and effective in the postpartum period. Funding: None.