Health Promotion–Application

Example Studies

Krebs-Smith et al. (1995)

• Aim: To investigate the relationship between childhood diet and adult eating habits.

• Method: Longitudinal study assessing dietary intake in children and their eating habits in adulthood.

• Results: Found a strong correlation between early fruit and vegetable consumption and healthy adult eating habits.

• Conclusion: Early dietary habits significantly influence future eating patterns, underlining the importance of health promotion in childhood.

Tapper et al. (2003): Food Dudes Programme

• Aim: To increase fruit and vegetable consumption among primary school children using role models.

• Method: Conducted pilot studies in two Dublin primary schools (experimental and control) with 435 ‘fussy eaters’ aged 5-6 years.

• Procedure: Implemented four methods:

  1. Presentation only

  2. Rewarded taste exposure

  3. Peer modelling

  4. Combination of rewarded taste exposure and peer modelling (children shown videos of ‘Food Dudes’ gaining superpowers from eating healthy).

• Results: Combined modelling and rewards resulted in a 100% increase in fruit consumption and an 83% increase in vegetable consumption. Benefits persisted six months after program cessation.

• Conclusion: The Food Dudes Programme was effective in promoting healthy eating, demonstrating the influence of peer modelling and rewards on dietary choices.

• Evaluation: Showed immediate positive outcomes but lacked long-term follow-up to assess sustainability. Findings may not generalise across all populations.

Gomel (1983)

• Aim: To examine the effectiveness of different health promotion strategies, particularly behavioural counselling, on cardiovascular disease risk factors.

• Method: Conducted an efficacy trial at 28 Australian ambulance stations.

• Interventions Tested:

  1. Health Risk Assessment

  2. Risk Factor Education

  3. Behavioural Counselling

  4. Behavioural Counselling with Incentives

• Results: Significant reductions in cardiovascular risk factors were observed in the behavioural counselling groups compared to education-based interventions.

• Conclusion: Behavioural interventions can lead to the management of cardiovascular risks, and are superior to simple educational strategies.

• Evaluation: Implementing these strategies routinely at work sites can have a major public health impact.

Fox et al. (1987)

• Aim: To evaluate the impact of a token economy on workplace safety in two open-pit mines.

• Method: Workers divided into four groups based on job hazard exposure. Traded stamps for safe working behaviours and lost stamps for unsafe actions.

• Results: Lost-time injuries decreased significantly during the token economy. Cost-benefit analysis indicated significant savings due to reduced accidents (between $12.90 and $27.80 saved for every dollar spent).

• Conclusion: Token economies can effectively modify behaviour and enhance safety in high-risk workplaces.

• Evaluation: While effective, the long-term sustainability of behaviours after token withdrawal remains a concern, and small sample sizes limit the generalisation of findings.

Summary of Techniques

• Taste Exposure: Encourages repeated tasting to develop preferences for healthier foods.

• Modelling: Children imitate positive eating behaviours observed in peers.

• Rewards: Mixed results; while some studies indicate effectiveness, others caution about undermining intrinsic motivation.

Applications in Schools and Workplaces

• Schools serve as ideal settings for promoting healthy eating through programs like Food Dudes, which incorporate techniques of peer modelling and positive reinforcement.

• In workplaces, strategies like token economies can enhance safety and health by incentivising desirable behaviours.

Ethical Considerations

• In studies involving children, issues such as informed consent, potential harm, and the impact of dietary behaviour on self-esteem must be considered.