ARS | Publication request: Identification of attributes that promote the adoption and implementation of 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans

Submitted to: Journal of American Dietetic Association
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: April 20, 2012
Publication Date: September 1, 2012
Citation: Moliason, E.F., Downey, L.H., Connell, C.L., Zoellner, J., Madson, M.B., Federico, H.A. 2012. Identification of attributes that promote the adoption and implementation of 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans [abstract]. Journal of American Dietetic Association. 112(9):S3 A89.

Technical Abstract: As part of a larger study, this research was to identify attributes of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGAs) that would promote their adoption and implementation by participants in a nutrition intervention. Project procedures were guided by the Diffusion of Innovations (DOI) theory. To identify and define the attributes of DGAs (hereafter referred to as a healthy diet), an expert panel (n=6) and two community panels (n=13) were composed. A discussion guide that specifically explored the relative advantage, compatibility, complexibility, trialability, and observability of a healthy diet was used with both panels. Panel discussions were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed based on pre-determined codes. A member-checking strategy was implemented to verify the meaning the researcher assigned to the data and reach consensus of attribute definitions. Definitions were established and verified for the five key attributes. Three additional attributes perceived to promote the adoption and implementation of a healthy diet were: Portability, referring to the convenience and appropriateness of a healthy diet for an "on the go" lifestyle; Protective, referring to the relationship between the healthy diet and the prevention or management of chronic disease; and Generational, referring to passing on healthy lifestyle behaviors to younger generations. The eight attributes were used to develop a nutrition intervention in the Lower Mississippi Delta. Currently, an instrument is being developed to measure the perceived attributes of a healthy diet.