University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, Iowa, USA.
Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition (FSHN), Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, USA.
J Nutr Gerontol Geriatr. 2021 Oct-Dec;40(4):232-248. doi: 10.1080/21551197.2021.1963905. Epub 2021 Aug 17.
Participation in the Congregate Nutrition Program (CNP) is declining. This study examined CNP participation motivators, barriers, menu preferences, desired facility attributes, and educational programming to help identify strategies to increase participation. Four focus groups were held (3 = CNP participants only, = 21; 1 = non-CNP participants, = 11). They were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed for common themes. All participants were White and food secure (93.8%). The majority were educated (75.8%), female (72.2%), and aged 71-80 years old (53.1%). CNP participation motivators were affordability, healthy meals, socialization, and location convenience. CNP participation barriers were limited awareness, the low perceived need for attending the CNP, and transportation. Ideal CNP characteristics were menu choice, variety of activities, and a welcoming ambiance. Preferred marketing strategies were print advertising and word of mouth. These findings provide insight as to how the CNP may be modified to be more appealing for the older adult population.
集体营养计划（CNP）的参与率正在下降。本研究旨在探讨 CNP 参与的动机、障碍、菜单偏好、期望的设施属性和教育计划，以帮助确定增加参与度的策略。共进行了 4 组焦点小组（3 组=CNP 参与者，=21 人；1 组=非 CNP 参与者，=11 人）。对这些小组的音频记录、转录和分析都围绕着共同的主题展开。所有参与者均为白人且食物有保障（93.8%）。大多数参与者受教育程度较高（75.8%），女性（72.2%），年龄在 71-80 岁（53.1%）。CNP 参与的动机包括价格合理、提供健康餐食、社交和位置便利。CNP 参与的障碍包括认知有限、对参加 CNP 的需求低，以及交通不便。理想的 CNP 特征包括菜单选择、活动多样性和温馨的氛围。首选的营销策略是平面广告和口碑宣传。这些发现为如何修改 CNP 以吸引更多老年人提供了一些思路。
