Affiliations 

  • 1 Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
Malays J Nutr, 2018;24(4):575-585.
MyJurnal

Abstract

Introduction: Lack of healthy food choices at the worksite is associated with
unhealthy eating habits and poor diet quality. This study aimed to conduct a two
weeks pilot study to assess the diet quality of lunch-meals delivered to worksites.
Methods: Using a crossover study design, a total of 50 adults were purposely
recruited from among university and hospital staffs in Selangor. Participants were
randomised into two groups, whereby in week one, Group A was provided with
the study’s “healthy lunch-meals” (RD4U©) for 3 work days/week, while Group B
consumed their usual lunch. In week two, the groups switched over with Group
B receiving RD4U© lunch-meals for three days. Diet quality of the lunch meals
was assessed using the Healthy Eating Index for Malaysian (HEI-M). Participant
satisfaction for RD4U© service was determined using SERVQUAL. Results: Mean
protein consumption was significantly higher (27±4 g/day) while fat consumption
was significantly lower (18±5 g/day) for the RD4U© lunch-meals, compared to the
respective levels (24±11 g/day; 22±12 g/day) for the usual lunch meals. Total HEI
score of the RD4U© meals (61.9±9.2) was higher than that for the usual lunch
meals (56.1±11.2). Nonetheless, the overall diet quality scores indicate that both
RD4U© and usual lunch meals were in the “need improvement” category. Generally,
participants were satisfied with the RD4U© lunch-meal service. Conclusion: The
RD4U© lunch-meals showed potential in delivering healthy lunch to worksites, and
feasibility studies to expand the RD4U© delivery service is recommended.