Identification of Attributes That Promote the Adoption and Implementation of 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans

• Published in: Journal of the American Dietetic Association Vol. 111; no. 9; p. A89
• Main Authors: Federico, H.A, Molaison, E.F, Downey, L.H, Connell, C.L, Zoellner, J.M, Madson, M.B
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Chicago Elsevier Inc 01.09.2011; Elsevier Limited
• Subjects: Diet; Gastroenterology and Hepatology; Internal Medicine; Lifestyles; Nutrition
• ISSN: 0002-8223; 2212-2672; 1878-3570; 2212-2680
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jada.2011.06.326

An abstract of a study by Federico et al identifying the attributes of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGAs) that would promote their adoption and implementation by participants in a nutrition intervention is presented. To identify and define the attributes of DGAs, an expert panel (n=13) 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. 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.