Delivery of healthy lunch to worksites: a two weeks pilot study in a sample of working adults in Selangor, Malaysia
- Author:
Mohd Khairuddin Noor Khalib
1
;
Zahara Abdul Manaf
;
Suzana Shahar
;
Arimi Fitri Mat Ludin
Author Information
1. Dietetics Programme, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Healthy food delivery service;
diet quality;
working adults
- From:
Malaysian Journal of Nutrition
2018;24(4):575-585
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Introduction: Lack of healthy food choices at the worksite is associated with unhealthy eating habits and poor diet quality. This study aimed to conduct a two weeks pilot study to assess the diet quality of lunch-meals delivered to worksites.
Methods: Using a crossover study design, a total of 50 adults were purposely recruited from among university and hospital staffs in Selangor. Participants were randomised into two groups, whereby in week one, Group A was provided with the study’s “healthy lunch-meals” (RD4U©) for 3 work days/week, while Group B consumed their usual lunch. In week two, the groups switched over with Group B receiving RD4U© lunch-meals for three days. Diet quality of the lunch meals was assessed using the Healthy Eating Index for Malaysian (HEI-M). Participant satisfaction for RD4U© service was determined using SERVQUAL.
Results: Mean protein consumption was significantly higher (27±4 g/day) while fat consumption was significantly lower (18±5 g/day) for the RD4U© lunch-meals, compared to the respective levels (24±11 g/day; 22±12 g/day) for the usual lunch meals. Total HEI score of the RD4U© meals (61.9±9.2) was higher than that for the usual lunch meals (56.1±11.2). Nonetheless, the overall diet quality scores indicate that both RD4U© and usual lunch meals were in the “need improvement” category. Generally, participants were satisfied with the RD4U© lunch-meal service.
Conclusion: The RD4U© lunch-meals showed potential in delivering healthy lunch to worksites, and feasibility studies to expand the RD4U© delivery service is recommended.
- Full text:4.2018my0424.pdf
