Assessing The Effectiveness of Using Nutrition Intervention Utilizing Behavior Change Techniques (BCT) on Nutrition Knowledge and Confidence Levels Among Older Adults

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of the nutrition intervention design using behavior change techniques (BCT) on nutrition knowledge and confidence levels among older adults. Design: Quasi-experimental. Methods: Nutrition knowledge and confidence levels were evaluated using a pre- and post-test. Final scores were compared using sample t-tests and the IBM SPSS statistical software. Setting: Congregate meal site in Ilion, NY. Participants: 6 individuals agreed to participate in the study. Participants were recruited at the congregate meal site in Ilion, NY between February, and March 2023. Intervention: A nutrition intervention using BCT, including 1 group educational session and 3 cooking demonstrations lasting 15 minutes each were given to participants in a group-setting. Results: There was no significant difference among final scores in nutrition knowledge or confidence levels post-intervention. Conclusions and Implications: This intervention design using BCT is not an effective way to affect nutrition knowledge or confidence levels among participants.