Presentation 1: Promising intervention elements to support healthy and sustainable eating among young adults

Samenvatting

Background: Young adulthood is an important transition period which is often accompanied with changes in dietary habits and weight gain. At the same time, this period may provide opportunities to support young adults in applying healthy and sustainable eating habits. The aim of this study was to obtain an overview of existing interventions in the educational setting to stimulate healthy and sustainable eating among 18-24-year-olds and to identify promising intervention elements.
Methods: Three main research activities were executed: a literature study, an inventory and analysis of Dutch practice interventions, and focus group discussions with professionals, teachers and students (N=36).
Findings: Twenty-one scientific interventions were included, of which 33% used a person-oriented and 67% an environmental approach. The majority of these interventions were executed in the USA, among university students, and targeted healthy eating. Most interventions were effective in changing nutritional behaviour outcomes. Twenty-four Dutch practice interventions were identified, of which 40% used a person-oriented and 60% an environmental approach. About 50% targeted healthy eating, whereas the other 50% targeted sustainable (and healthy) eating. The focus group discussions revealed five important factors for intervention success: paying attention to 1) (involvement of) the target group, 2) feasibility, 3) barriers in the physical environment, 4) cultural context, and 5) having support at organizational level.
Discussion: Important intervention elements for effectiveness and successful implementation have been identified and this contributes to further optimization and implementation of nutrition interventions for young adults.