Process evaluation of an intervention program using the nutritionally balanced boxed-lunch with foods produced in Kumamoto prefecture

Abstract

Objective: A model project using the nutritionally balanced boxed-lunches made with foods grown in Kumamoto following the Food Balanced Guide was conducted to improve the health of working people. Health and nutrition cards were delivered with the lunches. The aim of this project was to reduce weight among participants and to improve their understanding of the proper volume of a single meal. The purpose of this paper is to clarify the issues and good points of the project through process evaluation.

Methods: A total of167participants(average age44.2year,129men and38women)from4local workplaces were given nutritionally balanced lunches and health and nutrition message cards at least three times a week. The Kumamoto Dietetic Association planned menus for the boxed lunch, and the boxed-lunch business prepared the lunches. Prior to and after completing the project, participants'weight and waist circumference were measured and they also completed the questionnaire regarding their eating habits. Changes between"pre"and"post"were recorded. A meeting was held with the participants and local stakeholders to discuss the findings of this project, not only for continuing implementation in the participated workplaces, but for scale-up the project in the community.

Results: Reduced weight and waist circumference were seen among all men who conducted the measurements at both pre- and post- project(n=129), as well as among obese men(n=50). The understanding of the Food Balance Guide and the participants'ability to apply its rules were significantly improved after the project. After completing the project, 80% of participants answered that they understand the correct portion size of a single meal. Some of the participating companies continued ordering the nutritionally balanced boxed lunches. This project was incorporate into the nutrition education plan of the prefecture and 4 health centers decided to scale up this model project.

Conclusions: The nutritionally balanced boxed-lunch with health and nutrition information was effective in reducing participants'weight and waist circumference. This may influence the movement towards healthy-workplace scale up in Kumamoto.