Applying the nutrition education DESIGN procedure to the development of the In Defence of Food Curriculum

Abstract

Objective: This study describes the use of the Nutrition Education DESIGN Procedure for developing the In Defence of Food Curriculum, a health education curriculum serving as the companion guide to the In Defence of Food documentary film based on the book with the same title. Design: The DESIGN Procedure is a systematic stepwise framework that produces behaviourally focused, theory-driven health education programmes and evaluation plans. Methods: DESIGN begins with an audience assessment and literature review that guides the selection of desired behaviours and psycho-social theory. For the In Defence of Food Curriculum, the desired behaviour changes were increased intake of whole/minimally processed plant-based foods and decreased intake of highly processed foods. A theoretical framework combining social cognitive and social determination theories guided programme development and evaluation plans. Education theory guided translating this framework into a ready-to-deliver curriculum. DESIGN aims to ensure alignment of theory determinants/mediators, behaviour change strategies, objectives, instructional activities and evaluation measures for systematically addressing desired behaviour changes. Over the course of 10 lessons, young people participate in interactive activities that explore the benefits of healthy eating, while appreciating how the ubiquity of heavily marketed and highly processed foods make healthy eating challenging. The evaluation plan guides measurement of target behaviours and the theory-based determinants/mediators. Results: This case study describes the development of the In Defence of Food curriculum using the DESIGN Procedure and demonstrates how a comprehensive and structured method for health education curriculum development and evaluation planning can be applied. Conclusion: The DESIGN Procedure has relevance for researchers, practitioners and programme planners.