Systematic Review of Dietary Interventions With College Students: Directions for Future Research and Practice

ObjectiveTo clarify directions for research and practice, research literature evaluating nutrition and dietary interventions in college and university settings was reviewed.DesignSystematic search of database literature.SettingPostsecondary education.ParticipantsFourteen research articles evaluating randomized controlled trials or quasi-experimental interventions targeting dietary outcomes.Main Outcome MeasuresDiet/nutrition intake, knowledge, motivation, self-efficacy, barriers, intentions, social support, self-regulation, outcome expectations, and sales.AnalysisSystematic search of 936 articles and review of 14 articles meeting search criteria.ResultsSome in-person interventions (n = 6) show promise in improving students' dietary behaviors, although changes were minimal. The inclusion of self-regulation components, including self-monitoring and goal setting, may maximize outcomes. Dietary outcomes from online interventions (n = 5) were less promising overall, although they may be more effective with a subset of college students early in their readiness to change their eating habits. Environmental approaches (n = 3) may increase the sale of healthy food by serving as visual cues-to-action.Conclusions and ImplicationsA number of intervention approaches show promise for improving college students' dietary habits. However, much of this research has methodological limitations, rendering it difficult to draw conclusions across studies and hindering dissemination efforts.