Evaluation of a Shelter-Based Diet and Physical Activity Intervention for Homeless Adults

The proposed study will utilize a randomized controlled trial design to pilot-test a 4-week shelter-based diet and physical activity intervention in a sample of homeless adults residing in the transitional shelter at The Bridge Homeless Assistance Center in Dallas, TX (N = 50). Participants will be randomly assigned to a diet/physical activity intervention group (n = 25) or a paid assessment-only control group (n = 25). Three intervention strategies will be employed: 1) computer-tailored newsletters adapted from a program supported for use in other populations, 2) the distribution of fruit and vegetable snacks directly to individuals, and 3) the provision of pedometers and walking goals. Thus, the primary aim of the proposed study is to 1) evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness (relative to an assessment-only control group) of a shelter-based intervention designed to improve dietary intake and increase physical activity among homeless individuals. The main study outcomes will be average daily fruit and vegetable consumption and objective pedometer/ accelerometer assessment of physical activity (assessed weekly) over the 4-week study period, and at a follow-up assessment 4 weeks after the conclusion of the intervention. Secondary aims will focus on: 2) identifying intervention-related differences (relative to the control group) in indicators of physical health including blood pressure, weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and other dietary variables (i.e., caloric intake, meals consumed outside of the shelter, daily fat and fiber intake) and 3) identifying psychosocial variables associated with dietary quality and physical activity.