Effectiveness Of Nutrition Education Program Research Articles

Effect of nutrition education intervention on nutrition knowledge, attitude, and diet quality among school-going adolescents: a quasi-experimental study

BackgroundNutrition education is being used to encourage school adolescents to adopt healthy eating habits. To the best of our knowledge, very little study has been undertaken in Nepal to examine the effectiveness of nutrition education programs. This study aimed to assess the effect of nutrition education on nutritional knowledge, attitude, and diet quality among school-going adolescents in selected private schools in Nepal.MethodsA quasi-experimental study was conducted among 226 students aged 12 − 19 years of two selected private schools in Banepa municipality of Nepal. Students (n = 113) from the first school were assigned to intervention and the same number of students from the second school were enrolled in the study as the control. Over 12 weeks, students in the intervention group received one hour of nutrition education in the form of mini-lectures and interactive discussions, whilst students in the control group received no education. The student’s two-sample t-test was used to compare two groups and to assess the effectiveness of the nutrition education program.ResultsBetween the intervention and control group, the magnitude of difference in knowledge score was 1.80 (95% CI: 1.11 − 2.49), emotional eating was 0.98 (95% CI: 0.42 − 1.54), uncontrolled eating was 3.60 (95% CI: 2.10 − 5.09), and cognitive restraint of eating was 2.26 (95% CI: 1.51 − 3.01).ConclusionsA tailored health education intervention was found to be effective in increase nutritional knowledge and attitude among school-going adolescents. Adopting nutrition education interventions as part of public health school intervention builds positive knowledge, attitudes, and healthy eating habits in school-going adolescents.

Effects of Nutrition Education Program on Lactating Mothers in Relation to Infant Feeding Practices

Maternal and child health status is profoundly affected by infant feeding practices. In Pakistan, these practices are sub optimal which may lead to adverse outcomes. The initiation of breastfeeding within the first hour of birth, as well as good counseling of lactating mothers regarding infant weaning and introduction of complementary foods to the infants in a hygienic and clean environment, can decrease the risk of malnutrition and infections, leading to a decrease in infant morbidity and mortality. Increasing the awareness of mothers regarding recommended feeding practices is a key to improving this situation, especially in the region of South Asia. The current study was conducted with the aim of assessing the impacts of contextually developed nutrition education sessions on the knowledge and attitudes of women regarding infant feeding. A quasi experiment was conducted for this purpose. A sample of 400 lactating mothers between 20-30 years of age visiting a private post-natal clinic located in Lahore, Pakistan was selected. Half of the sample (200) was included in the experimental group and exposed to 12 weeks of educational intervention based on various audio-visual aids. Pretest and posttest knowledge and attitude scores of the women of both control and experimental groups were recorded. The results showed that women belonging to both control and experimental groups had similar knowledge regarding infant feeding at baseline (pretest). However, experimental group showed significant improvement in knowledge scores after intervention, as compared to control. The results also revealed that simple educational intervention can lead to profound improvements in maternal knowledge and attitudes regarding infant feeding. Increasing awareness is the first step in the translation of knowledge into practice. Therefore, similar interventions may be helpful in improving infant breast and complementary feeding practices. Effective implementation of nutrition education interventions that can improve the breastfeeding rates and also bring about improvement in complementary feeding practices is important for a developing country like Pakistan. This, in turn, may lead to better health outcomes for infants by reducing direct and indirect impacts of undernutrition.

Nutrition Education Improves Intakes of Protein, Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids, and Vitamins C and E in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

This study investigated the effect of nutrition education program on protein and nutrient intake, physical performance, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in community-dwelling older adults (≥65 years). The participants were randomized in clusters to intervention (IG, n = 51) and control (CG, n = 45) groups. Those in IG took part in the Eating for Strong Aging education program consisting of nutrition education in peer groups, written materials, and personal advice. Nutrient intake was assessed with 3-day food diaries, physical performance with Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and HRQoL with 15-D-QoL instrument. Total of 89 participants completed the study. The mean age was 76 years (IG) and 74 years (CG). At three months, the mean change in protein intake was 0.10 g/adjusted bodyweight (ABW) kg/d in the IG, and −0.07 g/ABW kg/d in the CG (p = 0.024). Intakes of polyunsaturated fatty acids and vitamins C and E increased in the IG compared to the CG (p < 0.05). Changes in SPPB or total HRQoL scores between the IG and the CG did not differ. HRQoL dimension mobility improved in the IG compared to the CG (p = 0.035). In conclusion, the Eating for Strong Aging educational program improved nutrition and may be beneficial for mobility-related QoL.

Development and Evaluation of a Web-Based Self-Management Program for Korean Adult Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome Based on the Information–Motivation–Behavioral Skills Model

This study aimed to develop and assess the effectiveness of a web-based nutrition education program for self-managing IBS symptoms using the IMB model. This study used single-arm, pre–post study design to test the effectiveness of the nutrition education program after its development. Participants were adults in their twenties and thirties in South Korea with IBS according to the ROME IV diagnostic criteria (n = 49). For statistical analysis, normality was verified using the Shapiro–Wilk test, and variables that met the assumption of normality were analyzed using the paired t-test, and variables that did not meet the assumption of normality were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. p &lt; 0.05 was considered statistically significant. IBS patients (n = 49) experienced a statistically significant increase in nutrition knowledge after receiving nutrition education (p = 0.015). IBS patients (n = 35) with no prior experience in nutrition education or diet modification also demonstrated a statistically significant increase in self-efficacy (p = 0.044) and nutrition knowledge (p = 0.016). The web-based nutrition education program based on the IMB model developed in this study was found to be effective. These results will contribute to diversifying symptom prevention strategies for patients with IBS.

Оцінка режиму та раціону харчування учнів 10-16 років закладів загальної середньої освіти

The purpose of the study was to assess the regimen and diet of students aged 10-16 years of general secondary education institutions. Materials and methods. A survey was conducted with a specially designed questionnaire «Questionnaire for assessing the nutritional status of schoolchildren». The study was conducted among 453 teenagers aged 10-16 years of two institutions of general secondary education in the city of Sumy, Ukraine in 2021. The teenagers' parents gave informed consent to the study. The obtained data were subject to mathematical and statistical processing using the «STATISTICA 6.0» application. Results and discussion. The main basis for strengthening the health of young students is the creation of a health-saving educational environment. It should influence the formation of food choices in children and adolescents. A reasonable choice of food products is fixed in the food habit. Eating habits shape the health of the adult population in the future. As a result of the analysis of the results of the study, a satisfactory diet was established in 74.71% of students with a frequency of meals 3-5 times a day. “Snacks” with easily digestible carbohydrate dishes (48.12%) and “junk food” (8.36%) violate the diet. The students’ diet is unbalanced due to low consumption of dairy products and increased consumption of sugar (64.60%), as well as eating fast food (24.13%). The obtained results provide grounds for a detailed consideration of the diet of food products mainly consumed by schoolchildren: 70.8% daily consume meat and fish dishes; 50.34% consume potato dishes 2-3 times a day; 39.54% eat pasta and spaghetti 2-3 times a week; 39.31% 2-3 times a week consume cereals in the form of buckwheat, rice, millet; 36.71% consume hard or soft cottage cheese; 56.55% drink milk, however, not every day; 82.99% consume fruit or juice every day. The sources of students' knowledge about the rules of healthy eating (schools – 25.95%, parents – 24.55%) and obstacles to the observance of the rules of healthy eating (laziness – 20.54%, lack of free time – 13.39%) were identified. Conclusion. A comparative analysis of the studies conducted with the data of modern studies of the regimen, diet, awareness and sources of knowledge about healthy nutrition among students of general educational institutions indicates the need to continue searching for ways to improve the effectiveness of nutrition education programs in the context of modern trends. Prospects for further research are to assess the regimen and diet of students aged 10-16 years depending on their nutritional status and to develop measures to optimize health-saving technologies in the direction of teaching balanced nutrition in educational institutions

Effects of a nutrition education program on self-care behavior and kidney functions in pre-dialysis chronic kidney disease patients

The kidneys play a vital role in eliminating wastes and maintaining electrolyte and acid balance in the human body. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a condition in which the kidney functions irreversibly decline and eventually requires hemodialysis or renal transplantation. This present study aimed to investigate the effects of an 8-week nutrition education program on self-care behavior and kidney functions in pre-dialysis CKD patients. Twenty-one patients diagnosed with pre-dialysis CKD in the CKD Clinic were appointed to the 8-week nutrition education program on basic kidney functions, CKD etiology, CKD delaying strategies, and dietary counseling. Primary outcomes were the knowledge, attitude, and behavior scores on pre-dialysis self-care. Secondary outcomes were the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (sCr), sodium, potassium, and phosphorus. Baseline and post-intervention scores of all outcomes were measured. Results show that most of the participants were female and aged ≥ 60. The nutrition education program significantly improved post-intervention knowledge, attitude, and behavior scores. Moreover, laboratory results of BUN, sCr, eGFR, and serum sodium levels were stable. Even though the mean potassium and phosphorus levels increased, there were improvements in the post-intervention measurements.

Effects of Nutrition Education Program for the Japan Diet on Serum LDL-Cholesterol Concentration in Patients with Dyslipidemia: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Aim: The Japan Diet (JD) recommended by the Japan Atherosclerosis Society based on the traditional Japanese diet is presumably favorable for preventing atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases, but few high-quality controlled clinical trials have examined its benefits as compared with other diets. We studied effects of nutrition education for JD intake as compared with partial JD (PJD) intake on serum lipids and inflammatory parameters in subjects with dyslipidemia. Methods: A randomized parallel controlled clinical trial was conducted on outpatients with dyslipidemia. Participants were randomly divided into the JD or the PJD group. Face-to-face nutrition education based on each diet at baseline and at 3 months, as well as monthly counseling by mail during the intervening 3-month period, were provided and participants practiced up to 6 months. Both groups were advised to reduce consumptions of animal fat/ fatty meat/poultry, confections, and alcoholic drinks. Additionally, the JD group participants were recommended to consume more fish, soybean products especially natto, vegetables, and seaweed/mushrooms/konjak, and to switch from refined to unrefined cereals or barley. Results: Mean LDL-cholesterol was 125 +/- 29 mg/dL at baseline, and the JD group ( n =49) showed a greater mean LDL-cholesterol decrease than the PJD group ( n =49) [- 8 mg/dL in JD vs 1 mg/dL in PJD, difference, -9 mg/dL (95%CI, -17 to 0) p =0.043)], and triglyceride ( p =0.023) and insulin ( p =0.033) reductions were larger in the JD group than in the PJD group at 6 months. Conclusion: Nutrition education for JD intake was suggested to improve serum lipid and metabolic parameters in patients with dyslipidemia.

Nutrition education programme changes food intake and baseball performance in high-school students

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the effects of nutrition education programme using the Convenient, Attractive, Normative (CAN) framework to facilitate changes in mindset, attitudes and behaviours towards food among high-school male baseball players. Design: Quasi-experimental design. Setting: Two public high schools in Osaka, Japan. Methods: Students in two high schools (mean age ± SD, 16.6 ± .5 years) participated in the study. One school served as an intervention group ( n = 28) and received the CAN nutrition education programme. The other school served as a control group ( n = 22), and students within it did not receive the intervention. Students in the intervention group received three nutrition lecture sessions and face-to-face individual nutritional guidance over a 4 month intervention period. Before and after the intervention, all students were asked to record their food and beverage intake by taking food pictures, recording portion weights and sending these to the project dietitian. They were also asked to develop a dietary behaviour plan for meeting their goals. At the end of the intervention, they were asked about their experiences. Results: Students in the intervention improved their food intake, dietary balance and athletic performance. Bat swing speed was significantly faster following the intervention. Body weight increased without changing lean body mass in both groups. Conclusion: Results suggest that a CAN nutrition education programme may be effective in increasing motivation and promote dietary behaviour change among male adolescent athletes. Future interventions should examine these motivational processes and investigate the factors contributing to well-balanced meals.

Effect of Nutrition Education Program on the Blood Lipid Profiles of Hypercholesterolemic Patients

Effect of Nutrition Education Program on the Blood Lipid Profiles of Hypercholesterolemic Patients

The effect of nutritional education program on quality of life and serum electrolytes levels in hemodialysis patients: A single-blind randomized controlled trial

ObjectiveTo determine the effect of nutrition education program on hemodialysis patients’ quality of life (QoL) and serum electrolytes levels. MethodsThis study was a randomized controlled trial in which 94 eligible hemodialysis patients were randomly assigned to intervention (n = 48) and control (n = 46) groups. In the intervention group, the patients were trained in healthy nutrition for four weeks. After two months, samples of both groups completed the Kidney Disease Quality of Life Instrument (KDQOL) and Na, K, P, Ca and Mg levels were also measured and compared. ResultsThere were no significant differences in QoL scores and electrolytes between the two groups before intervention (p > 0.05). After intervention the QoL scores in the intervention group were significantly higher than in the control group (p < 0.05). However, after intervention the levels of Na, K, P and Mg in the intervention group were significantly lower than in the control group (p < 0.05). Calcium level was not significantly different between the two groups after intervention (p = 0.16). ConclusionThe results showed that e-learning is effective in improving the QoL and serum electrolytes of hemodialysis patients. Practice ImplicationsThis paper could serve as support for clinical healthcare professionals to improve patient knowledge and QoL through virtual education methods.

Prevalence of Undernutrition and Effect of NEP on the Dietary Pattern of College Going Girls (15- 20 Years) in Mumbai

Aim: To assess the prevalence of undernutrition and to study the effect of Nutrition Education Program (NEP) on dietary pattern of adolescent girls (15 to 20 years) in Mumbai.&#x0D; Place and Duration of the Study: Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, S.N.D.T. Women’s University, Matunga, Mumbai (India), between December 2018 to February 2019.&#x0D; Methodology: For this study, Pre-test and Post-test experimental research design was used. 200 adolescent girls were selected to assess their dietary patterns and nutritional status through purposive random sampling method. Nutritional parameters such as height for age, weight for height and weight for age were calculated along with 3 days 24-hour diet recall among adolescent girls.&#x0D; Results: Prevalence of undernutrition was observed among adolescent girls. The overall mean consumption of energy, protein and carbohydrate was less as per the ICMR 2010 guidelines for adolescent girls. The mean consumption of day 1 energy was increased from 1515 ± 127 to 1623 ± 127. Similarly increase in the mean consumption of day 1 protein (from 38.20 ± 6.46 to 43.90 ± 6.45) and carbohydrate (from 353.90 ± 39.88 to 387.30 ± 37.75) was also documented. However, the fat consumption also seemed to be increased (from 45.70 ± 4.52 to 48.40 ± 4.54 on day 1) which might be due the consumption of outside High Fat High Salt (HFHS) food.

Effects of nutrition education program in intention change for consuming healthy food among adolescents: A School-based study

Background: The adolescent period is a crucial stage of the human life cycle. The nutrition education program is a cost-effective way to promote and change the health behaviors of adolescents. This study assessed the effects of a school-based nutrition education program on changing the intention to consume healthy food among adolescents. Methods: It was a pre- and post-test study design with a control group. We selected two private schools one as a control and other as study area which was located at Pokhara Metropolitan ward number one, Nepal. We involved 70 students as control and 74 as a study. We conducted formative research to develop the educational package. We measured the effect of the nutrition education program after 15 days of the implementation of the package and assured its effect. Results: There was no significant difference between the control and study groups regarding their demographic characteristics and score of theory of planned behavior constructs (P

The Effect of Nutrition Education Program on Overweight/Obese Patients with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: a Single-Blind Parallel Randomized Controlled Trial.

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of a nutrition education program on overweight/obese patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This single-blind, parallel randomized controlled trial was conducted on 82 NAFLD patients (mean age 48.89 ± 9.85 years) in Isfahan, Iran. Patients were randomly allocated to receive nutrition education program combined with usual care or usual care alone for 2 months. Metabolic markers, including lipid profile, fasting blood glucose (FBG) and dietary intakes were obtained for each patient at baseline and at the end of the study. Nutrition education intervention resulted in a significant decrease compared with usual care in serum levels of total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) (p < 0.05). However, our intervention did not lead to a significant improvement in FBG, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), respectively (p > 0.05). Furthermore, energy and sugar intakes of patients were reduced significantly in response to our intervention (p < 0.05). Nutrition education intervention significantly reduced serum levels of TC and TG but did not affect other metabolic markers including FBG, LDL-C, and HDL-C. Also, it could reduce total energy and sugar intake. Thus, this study could be useful to use this educational program for NAFLD patients in order to influence their metabolic markers and dietary intakes.Trial RegistrationIRCT Identifier: IRCT2014101811763N17

The Effect of Nutrition Education Program on Biochemical Parameters Among Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease Undergoing Hemodialysis

The Effect of Nutrition Education Program on Biochemical Parameters Among Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease Undergoing Hemodialysis

Classroom Characteristics and Their Association with Nutrition Education Program Outcomes: A Multi-level Analysis of FoodMASTER Intermediate

To examine the relationship between student and classroom-level characteristics on nutrition knowledge after completion of the FoodMASTER Intermediate (FMI) integrated nutrition education program among 4th grade students, as compared to a similar group of control students. The sample consisted of n=263 students nested in 18 classrooms in North Carolina and Ohio. Nine classrooms used FMI and nine used traditional mathematics and science curriculum in a quasi-experimental design. Multi-level models were used to assess the relationship between student-level variables including: gender, free and reduced lunch status (as a proxy for student socioeconomic status), and baseline nutrition knowledge; classroom-level variables including: control or intervention status, teacher experience and teacher nutrition training on student nutrition knowledge at the conclusion of the program. A total of five models were built and analyzed using PROC MIXED and estimated using maximum likelihood in SASv9.4. Classroom-level variables including curriculum and teacher characteristics accounted for ∼56% of variability in nutrition knowledge after the program. The FoodMASTER intervention was found to be a significant predictor of nutrition knowledge. Students exposed to FMI score on average 4.32 points higher than control classrooms (p=.0001). Teachers with 8+ years of experience were found to improve predicted post-nutrition knowledge scores (p=.006). Based on these analyses, integrated nutrition education such as FoodMASTER significantly increases student nutrition knowledge. Further, there is a moderating influence of teacher experience indicating that effectiveness of nutrition education programs may be improved when administered by experienced teachers.

The nutrition for sport knowledge questionnaire (NSKQ): development and validation using classical test theory and Rasch analysis

BackgroundAppropriate dietary intake can have a significant influence on athletic performance. There is a growing consensus on sports nutrition and professionals working with athletes often provide dietary education. However, due to the limitations of existing sports nutrition knowledge questionnaires, previous reports of athletes’ nutrition knowledge may be inaccurate.MethodsAn updated questionnaire has been developed based on a recent review of sports nutrition guidelines. The tool has been validated using a robust methodology that incorporates relevant techniques from classical test theory (CTT) and Item response theory (IRT), namely, Rasch analysis.ResultsThe final questionnaire has 89 questions and six sub-sections (weight management, macronutrients, micronutrients, sports nutrition, supplements, and alcohol). The content and face validity of the tool have been confirmed based on feedback from expert sports dietitians and university sports students, respectively. The internal reliability of the questionnaire as a whole is high (KR = 0.88), and most sub-sections achieved an acceptable internal reliability. Construct validity has been confirmed, with an independent T-test revealing a significant (p < 0.001) difference in knowledge scores of nutrition (64 ± 16%) and non-nutrition students (51 ± 19%). Test-retest reliability has been assured, with a strong correlation (r = 0.92, p < 0.001) between individuals’ scores on two attempts of the test, 10 days to 2 weeks apart. Three of the sub-sections fit the Rasch Unidimensional Model.ConclusionsThe final version of the questionnaire represents a significant improvement over previous tools. Each nutrition sub-section is unidimensional, and therefore researchers and practitioners can use these individually, as required. Use of the questionnaire will allow researchers to draw conclusions about the effectiveness of nutrition education programs, and differences in knowledge across athletes of varying ages, genders, and athletic calibres.

Adding a Social Marketing Campaign to a School-Based Nutrition Education Program Improves Children’s Dietary Intake: A Quasi-Experimental Study

BackgroundEvidence supports the use of social marketing campaigns to improve nutrition knowledge and reinforce the effects of nutrition education programs. However, the additional effects of parent-focused social marketing with nutrition education have received little attention. ObjectiveOur aim was to assess the impact of the Iowa Nutrition Network’s school-based nutrition education program (Building and Strengthening Iowa Community Support for Nutrition and Physical Activity [BASICS]) and the benefits of adding a multichannel social marketing intervention (BASICS Plus) to increase parent-directed communication. Design and interventionA quasi-experimental design with three study conditions compared a school-based nutrition education program (BASICS) with a school-based and social marketing intervention (BASICS Plus) and a no-treatment comparison group. Participants/settingThe study included 1,037 third-grade students attending 33 elementary schools and their parents. Main outcome measuresMeasures included parents’ reports of their children’s in-home consumption of fruits and vegetables (F/V) and use of low-fat/fat-free milk. Data on F/V were collected using a modified version of the University of California Cooperative Extension Food Behavior Checklist; and data on milk use were collected using two questions from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Statistical analysesMultilevel, mixed-effect regression models that account for correlation within repeated measures and children within school were used to compare the mean change over time in the outcome variable for one study group with the mean change over time for another study group. ResultsChildren in BASICS increased mean consumption of fruit by 0.16 cups (P=0.04) compared with children in the comparison group. Children in BASICS Plus increased mean consumption of fruit by 0.17 cups (P=0.03) and mean consumption of vegetables by 0.13 cups (P=0.02). Children in BASICS Plus were 1.3 times (P=0.05) more likely to use low-fat/fat-free milk than children in either the BASICS group or the comparison group. ConclusionsGaining parents’ attention and engaging them in healthy eating practices for their children can be a useful way to increase the effectiveness of school-based nutrition education programs. This study demonstrates the benefits of incorporating a parent-focused social marketing campaign in nutrition education interventions.

Application and the Effect of Nutrition Education Program Based on the Social Cognitive Theory Among Middle School Girls

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of nutrition education using materials based on social cognitive theory. Education topics focused on improving health-related and dietary self-awareness and behavior capability in adolescents. Methods: Participants were recruited from a middle school for girls; 67 students (educated group, n=34 and control group, n=33) participated. The education group received 12 lessons in club activity class. Self-administered surveys were conducted for each group before and after the nutrition education program. The questionnaires consisted of variables such as self-efficacy, outcome expectation, outcome expectancy, knowledge, and dietary practices based on the social cognitive theory. Education satisfaction was evaluated using a five-point Likert scale for two sections: a) teaching and learning and b) education results. The data were analyzed using a t-test and Chi Square-test (significance level: p Results: In the education group, post-education, there were significant differences in self-efficacy (p Conclusions: This study showed that improving adolescent’s awareness and behavior capability has a positive effect on their dietary practices. Moreover, this study suggested that a theory-based determinant should be considered to improve dietary behavior among adolescents.

Effectiveness of Nutrition Education Program Using Nutrition Quotient Evaluation Tools on Children in Community Child Center

Effectiveness of Nutrition Education Program Using Nutrition Quotient Evaluation Tools on Children in Community Child Center

Effect of a nutrition education programme on clinical status and dietary behaviours of adults with type 2 diabetes in a resource-limited setting in South Africa: a randomised controlled trial.

To evaluate the effect of a participant-customised nutrition education programme on glycated Hb (HbA(1c)), blood lipids, blood pressure, BMI and dietary behaviours in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. A randomised controlled trial. The control group (n 41) received education materials. The intervention group (n 41) received the same education materials and participated in eight weekly (2-2·5 h) group nutrition education sessions and follow-up sessions. Outcomes were assessed at 6 and 12 months. An intention-to-treat analysis was conducted. ANCOVA compared the groups (adjustments for baseline values, age, sex and clinic). Two community health centres, Moretele sub-district (North West Province), South Africa. Adults (aged 40-70 years) with type 2 diabetes, HbA(1c) ≥8 %. Differences in HbA(1c) (primary outcome) were -0·64 % (P=0·15) at 6 months and -0·63 % (P=0·16) at 12 months in favour of the intervention group. Starchy-food intake was significantly lower in the intervention group, 9·3 v. 10·8 servings/d (P=0·005) at 6 months and 9·9 v. 11·9 servings/d (P=0·017) at 12 months. Median energy intake was significantly lower in the intervention group at 12 months (5988 v. 6946 kJ/d, P=0·017). No significant group differences in BMI, lipid profile, blood pressure and intakes of macronutrients, vegetables and fruits were observed. Nutrition education was not efficacious on HbA(1c); however, it improved specific dietary behaviours. Group education and hands-on activities appeared to contribute to the improvement. Optimal goal setting and self-efficacy training/assessment could benefit future nutrition education programmes for people with type 2 diabetes mellitus in resource-limited settings.