Process evaluation of a Mediterranean diet and exercise intervention among an older at-risk UK-based population

Jong, Stephanie, Jennings, Amy, Shannon, Oliver M., Gillings, Rachel, Hanson, Sarah ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4751-8248, Lee, Vivien, Hardeman, Wendy ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6498-9407 and Minihane, Anne-Marie ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9042-4226 (2022) Process evaluation of a Mediterranean diet and exercise intervention among an older at-risk UK-based population. In: 36th Annual Conference of the European Health Psychology Society, 2022-08-23 - 2022-08-27, Slovakia.

Full text not available from this repository. (Request a copy)

Abstract

Background: To explore participant experiences of a Mediterranean diet and exercise intervention informed by the COM-B model, delivered using a website, group sessions, and supermarket vouchers (MedEx-UK). Methods: Fourteen semi-structured focus groups (54 participants at elevated dementia risk, aged 55-74 years, three UK urban/rural areas) and four individual interviews. Codebook thematic analysis was informed by MRC process evaluation guidance. Findings: Initial findings indicate high acceptability for the group sessions and supermarket vouchers, and mixed views about the website. Participants wanted more group sessions. They mentioned that they had implemented recommended changes in Mediterranean diet and physical activity to a high degree, although this varied across participants. Reported psycho-social facilitators included partner and family support, the social element of group sessions, and being motivated. Practical facilitators varied across participants; these included having Mediterranean foods in a convenient place, e.g., kitchen table, bulk purchasing and cooking, and swapping foods for Mediterranean diet friendly foods, e.g., swapping red meat for fish. Reported facilitators for exercise change included apps and technology, and goal setting. Reported barriers included negative perceptions of food such as olive oil, having to cook for others, injury, illness, and the weather. Some reported challenges in consuming the amount of oil (50 ml/d) and vegetables (400g/d) recommended. Discussion: Motivation, social and physical opportunity were key perceived enablers of behaviour change. Participants’ reflections support the use of group-based interventions targeting diet and exercise. Future interventions need to target the wide range of influences on eating a Mediterranean diet and increasing exercise.

Item Type: Conference or Workshop Item (Paper)
Faculty \ School: Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > School of Health Sciences
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Norwich Medical School
UEA Research Groups: Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Groups > Health Promotion
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Groups > Nutrition and Preventive Medicine
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Centres > Norwich Institute for Healthy Aging
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Centres > Lifespan Health
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Groups > Behavioural and Implementation Science
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Groups > Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health
Related URLs:
Depositing User: LivePure Connector
Date Deposited: 18 Apr 2024 11:30
Last Modified: 18 Apr 2024 11:30
URI: https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/94962
DOI:

Actions (login required)

View Item View Item