Poster 2: Exploring promising intervention approaches to support healthy and sustainable eating among young adults

Resúmen

Young adulthood is an important transition period which is often accompanied with changes in dietary habits and weight gain. Therefore, it is important to explore opportunities to support young adults in applying healthy and sustainable eating habits. The aim of this study was to get an overview of existing interventions in the educational setting to stimulate healthy and sustainable eating habits among 18-24-year olds and to identify promising interventions. Three main research activities were executed: a literature study, an inventory of Dutch practice interventions, and four focus group discussions with professionals. Based on the inclusion criteria, 21 scientific interventions were included, of which 33% used a person-oriented and 67% an environmental approach. These interventions were mainly executed in the USA, among university students and focusing on healthy eating. Most interventions were effective in changing nutritional behaviour outcomes. Twenty four Dutch practice interventions were identified, of which 40% used a person and 60% an environmental approach. The majority (54%) focused on healthy eating, 21% on sustainable eating and 25% on both healthy and sustainable eating. Four behavioural change techniques were most frequently applied: “Restructuring environment”, “Shaping knowledge”, ‘Goals & planning’, ‘Feedback & monitoring’. The discussions revealed five important factors for intervention success: paying attention to 1) the target group, 2) feasibility, 3) barriers in the physical environment, 4) cultural context, and 5) having support at organizational level. The results of this project form a good starting point for the further development, optimization and implementation of nutrition interventions for young adults.