Date Approved
2020
Degree Type
Open Access Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department or School
Health Sciences
Committee Member
Heather Hutchins-Wiese PhD, RD
Committee Member
Judi Brooks PhD, RD
Abstract
Most Americans do not consume recommended intakes of fruits and vegetables (F/Vs). Hands-on nutrition education applies social cognitive theory as participants practice preparing F/Vs. This study compared a four-week hands-on nutrition education program (L+HO) with lecture only (L) in older adults with assessments at baseline and weeks four and eight. Twenty-three women over the age of 50 participated in either four, 90-minute weekly L+HO classes (n = 14) or four, 40-minute weekly L nutrition education classes (n = 9). Vegetable intake significantly increased at four weeks compared to baseline for both intervention groups. Vegetable intake increased at eight weeks compared to baseline but was only significant for the L group. Fruit intake increased for both intervention groups with significance observed only when the groups were combined for the overall impact of nutrition education. Results did not support a greater increase in F/V intake in the L+HO group for various possible reasons.
Recommended Citation
Blasch, Noelle R., "Comparison of nutrition education approaches on fruit and vegetable intake in older adults" (2020). Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations. 1043.
https://commons.emich.edu/theses/1043