Tools- of Changes

Effective Dietary Interventions During Pregnancy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Behavior Change Techniques to Promote Healthy Eating

Rewards / incentives and action planning were the two most effective behaviour change techniques reviewed. Interventions were more effective when they were delivered by a nutrition professional and/or included group sessions.

• Interventions that incorporated rewards / incentives were significantly associated with higher intake of fruit and vegetables, and high dietary quality scores. Rewards were underused compared with other behavioral approaches, yet their inclusion is associated with a higher intervention cost-effectiveness. The rewards used in the 37 trials included positive reinforcement of target dietary behaviour by praising and encouraging women, graduation ceremonies following completion of the program, and gift incentives after attendance at each intervention meeting for mother and baby.
• Interventions that incorporated action planning significantly improved dietary quality. Action planning assists with translating intentions into specific plans to provide a clear roadmap of behaviour change that bridges the action-intention gap.
• Interventions delivered by a nutrition professional and those that included group sessions improved dietary quality more than those delivered by other health professionals, research staff, or application-delivered interventions and delivered via other modalities.