Lisa Williams

RCBC First into Research Fellowship

April 2022- March 2023

Project Title: Evaluating Nutrition Skills for Life, what works for whom and under what circumstances: a scoping review using a realist approach. 

Everyone has the right to good nutrition, it is fundamental to children’s growth and development and reducing risk of developing obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease and some cancers in the future (1).^. Complex social and environmental factors can hinder good nutrition. Community nutrition interventions (CNIs), like the Nutrition Skills for Life approach in Wales, are needed to address these challenges. To ensure maximum benefit, it is important to understand how these interventions work, particularly for groups who experience the greatest obstacles to good nutrition.

This review analysed 45 UK studies conducted between 2012 and 2022 to understand how CNIs work, especially for adults from socioeconomically disadvantaged communities. Studies included CNIs like lunch clubs, cooking groups, food subsidy programmes, and brief healthy lifestyle advice provided by healthcare professionals. The research aimed to understand the specific elements of the intervention that, when delivered in specific ways, or with certain groups, generated reactions that resulted in improved dietary behaviour.

Interventions ‘worked’ for people from more socioeconomically disadvantaged areas when they acknowledged and addressed identified barriers to healthy eating; provided opportunities for meal sharing and social networking, provided easy-to-understand nutrition messages, were delivered by confident, knowledgeable practitioners, and facilitated strategies like goal setting and meal preparation. Reactions generated included feeling supported and understood, trust in the information and support provided, comfort in shared problems, and confidence and self-efficacy to achieve goals and prepare nutritious, affordable meals.

Further research is needed to test these findings and make specific recommendations to inform the future delivery of CNIs in Wales.