Evaluation of a Dining Facility Intervention on U.S. Army Special Operations Soldiers' Meal Quality, Dining Satisfaction, and Cost Effectiveness
Abstract
The study purpose was to test the initial effectiveness of this USASOC HPP (Human Performance Program) intervention and whether changes were sustained over time. Dietary intakes were assessed using food photography before and after three main meals over 2 days. Daily nutrient content and Healthy Eating Index (HEI) scores were computed. Descriptive and independent t-test analyses were performed pre to post HPP implementation (=0.05; 80 power). A total of 688 Soldiers participated(98 male; mean age of 25.62.9 yrs). At 12-months, USASOC patrons exhibited a significantly higher sodium-adjusted HEI score (70.38.7 points; 4.6 pts; p=0.005) compared to the control DFAC (avg of 56.3 10.8 points over 12-months). Specific improvements in USASOC patron intake were 0.6 cups fruit (2.5 cups/d), 0.8 oz whole grains (5.9 oz/d), 1.9 oz protein (14.9 oz/d; 2.0g/kg BW), -0.3 oz refined grains (4.3 oz/d), and -0.13g/kg fat (1.24g/kg BW) (p<0.05). These data illustrate that education, introduction of healthy food options, and revised cooking practices are effective interventions for improving Warfighter meal quality.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 18, 2016
- Accession Number
- AD1039585
Entities
People
- Adrienne M Hatch
- Catherine M. Champagne
- Ray Allen
- Renee E. Cole
- Scott Montain
- Susan Mcgraw
Organizations
- United States Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine