Mhurchu, CScragg, RRodgers, AEyles, Helen2011-02-212010http://hdl.handle.net/2292/6390Background There is a growing interest in tailored nutrition education, which personalises information to the individual. However, little research has been undertaken with priority population groups, or in supermarkets, where most food is purchased. Aim To investigate the long-term (≥ six-months) effectiveness of tailored nutrition education for improving the supermarket food purchases of New Zealand adults, including priority groups. Methods A randomised controlled trial was undertaken in eight New Zealand supermarkets from February 2007 to February 2009. Participants were 1,104 ethnically and socio-economically diverse primary household shoppers 18 years and older. The trial compared tailored nutrition education, developed using a participatory approach, with control (no intervention). Household supermarket sales data were used to tailor education resources and to assess trial outcomes. The primary outcome was change in saturated fat purchased at six-months. Secondary outcomes were changes in other food and nutrient purchases at six- and 12-months. Two sub-studies which assessed aspects of internal validity of the trial were also undertaken. Results At six-months, the difference in saturated fat purchased by tailored nutrition education vs. control was -0.09% total energy (95% CI, -0.47% to 0.30%); p=0.66. Corresponding differences for purchases of saturated fat at 12-months and all other food and nutrient outcomes assessed (at six- and 12-months) were non-significant. Sub study one found 65% of all food purchases were made at participating supermarkets. The validity of household electronic supermarket sales data as a surrogate measure of individual nutrient intakes was also demonstrated. Sub study two demonstrated the validity of the modified Heart Foundation (HF) Tick nutrient profiling model to appropriately identify ‘healthier’ options for promotion in the trial. Conclusion: Tailored nutrition education cannot be recommended as a stand-alone public health strategy for improving the supermarket food purchases of New Zealand adults. More effective approaches to improve population dietary intakes must be sought. Due to their Abstract iii potential reach and impact, supermarket-based nutrition interventions should be a medium for such approaches, and household supermarket sales data considered as an objective surrogate measure of effectiveness.Items in ResearchSpace are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated. Previously published items are made available in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher.https://researchspace.auckland.ac.nz/docs/uoa-docs/rights.htmhttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/nz/ThesisCopyright: The authorQ112883250