Moving beyond information: evaluation of a nutrition education tool based on a theoretical model

Objective: This study investigated the relative effectiveness of a nutrition education brochure based on a theoretical model versus a more traditional information-based brochure in getting subjects to accurately assess daily calcium intake, make a plan to increase intake if needed, and to implement the plan. Design: A randomized trial involving 216 women between the ages of 19-49y. Subjects were randomly assigned to a group which received educational materials containing an interactive brochure designed using the Motivation Generating model (Calcium Calculator(R)), or to a group which received a calcium information brochure (An Appetite for Good Health). Within a mio week period the women were contacted by telephone to assess use of materials, calcium intake assessment information, and plans for dietary change. Setting: Subjects were recruited at five fitness centres in the Vancouver area. The research was conducted by the Institute of Health Promotion Research at the University of British Columbia. Results: Results indicated significantly greater numbers of subjects conducting self- assessment and increased group accuracy for calcium intake assessment in subjects using the interactive brochure. Conclusion: Use of a theoretical model designed to create behaviour change such as the Motivation Generating Model can increase specific behaviours which may lead to improvements in dietary consumption.