Nutrition literacy programme to enhance nutrition literacy, dietary behaviour, food security, and health outcomes among adults: A systematic review

Abstract

Introduction: Morbidity and mortality among adults with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are associated with poor dietary behaviours, often influenced by food security constraints. An important approach is to promote nutrition literacy to change dietary behaviours and health outcomes. The impact of nutrition literacy (NL) programmes on adults is recognised in the literature. However, there is a lack of studies that have comprehensively analysed their effects. This study aimed to conduct a literature review about NL programmes for adults to enhance nutrition literacy, dietary behaviour, food security, or health outcomes. Methods: A systematic review was conducted on original articles from ScienceDirect, PubMed, Scopus, and CINAHL, published between 2014 and 2024, targeting adults aged 18 years and over. Results: Ten studies were eligible for inclusion; the most commonly used model was the Social Cognitive Learning Theory. Interventions focused on nutrition education, workshops, skills training/hands-on activities, consultations, family involvement, online interventions, and home visits, typically lasting 4 to 16 weeks. Assessments were conducted at baseline, post-intervention, and follow-up (3 to 12 months), showing significant enhancements in one or more outcomes, including nutrition literacy, dietary behaviour, food security, or health outcomes. Conclusions: NL programmes showed an improvement in nutrition literacy, dietary behaviour, food security, and health outcomes. However, some studies were limited by small sample sizes, the absence of a control group, and a lack of follow-up. For future directions, high-quality randomised controlled trials and longitudinal studies could be conducted to ascertain outcomes.