Employees' Expectations of Internet-Based, Workplace Interventions Promoting the Mediterranean Diet: A Qualitative Study

Angeliki Papadaki, Andreas Thanasoulias, Rachael Pound, Simon J. Sebire, Russell Jago

Research output: Contribution to journalArticle (Academic Journal)peer-review

22 Citations (Scopus)
640 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Objective

Explore employees' perceptions of ability to follow the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet), preferences for setting goals if asked to follow the MedDiet, and expectations of an Internet-based, workplace MedDiet intervention.

Design

Seven focus groups to guide intervention development.

Setting

Four workplaces (business/professional services, government branches) in Southwest England.

Participants

Employees (n = 29, 51.7% women), ages 24–58 years.

Phenomenon of Interest

Ability to follow the MedDiet; preferences for goal-setting if asked to follow the MedDiet; intervention content.

Analysis

Data were analyzed with the use of thematic analysis.

Results

Participants perceived that adhering to some MedDiet recommendations would be challenging and highlighted cost, taste, and cooking skills as adherence barriers. Behavior change preferences included a tailored approach to goal-setting, reviewing goal progress via a website/smartphone app, and receiving expert feedback via an app/website/text/face-to-face session. Desirable features of an Internet-based MedDiet application included recipes, interactivity, nutritional information, shopping tips, cost-saving information, and a companion smartphone app. Engaging in social support was deemed important to facilitate adherence.

Conclusions and Implications

An Internet-based, workplace MedDiet intervention should address adherence barriers, utilize a tailored approach to setting and reviewing goals, and activate social support to facilitate adherence. These findings provide insights to planning to promote the MedDiet in non-Mediterranean regions
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)706–715.e1
Number of pages11
JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior
Volume48
Issue number10
Early online date28 Sept 2016
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Nov 2016

Keywords

  • Mediterranean diet
  • workplace intervention
  • qualitative methodology
  • adults
  • Internet
  • technology

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