Nutrition Education: Linking Research, Theory and Practice, by Isobel R. Contento. Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett Publishers; 2011; 444 pages. Paperback; $99.95.
In Nutrition Education: Linking Research, Theory and Practice, Isobel R. Contento guides readers through the process of "designing and implementing effective, evidence-based nutrition education interventions and dietary change strategies." The author presents a "systematic, stepwise procedure" for planning nutrition education programs. In addition, she shows the reader how to translate theory and incorporate evidence into each step of the planning process. Whereas the information presented would be useful to any type of health educator, it is clearly targeted to nutrition educators, particularly those working with groups of people as opposed to individuals. If used as a college-level textbook, this book would be most appropriate for upper-class students because they may be more familiar with the theories and behavioral science concepts presented.
The book is divided into 3 major parts. In chapters 1 through 6, the author focuses on factors that are intertwined with food and eating, theories related to behavior and how they guide education, and factors that facilitate and hinder an individual's ability to take action in regard to nutrition recommendations. In chapters 7 through 14, the author introduces the 6-step process that utilizes theory and evidence to design nutrition education. She walks through each step, providing detailed information and encouraging the use of worksheets included at the end of the chapters to allow for practical application of the information presented. In addition, a case study involving a program to be developed for middle-school students is introduced. The case study is presented throughout the next 7 chapters, providing an example of the stepwise planning procedure. In chapters 15 through 18, the author presents practical strategies for conducting nutrition education, emphasizing the importance of proper communication, appealing to different learning styles, and creating environments conducive to effective education. She highlights different types of visual aids, including advantages and disadvantages of each, and presents evidence-based strategies for working with diverse populations.
The information presented in the book is accurate, current, and evidence-based. The author provides thorough information about the history, theories, behaviors, and practices related to nutrition education. The outline of the book, flowing from background and theories to practical application and planning of nutrition education, makes comprehension of the material uncomplicated. The information presented is detailed enough, yet the reader will not find himself/herself bogged down by irrelevant information. Instead, the content of each chapter builds on the foundation laid by the previous chapters. By the end of chapter 18, the reader has a clear understanding of nutrition education, including supporting theories, challenges associated with implementation, helpful strategies and techniques, and important ethical considerations relevant to nutrition educators.
The main strengths of the book include the comprehensive, evidence-based information presented and the practical application opportunities included to help translate knowledge into action. However, to get the full benefit of the information presented, a background in behavioral theories, learning styles, and communication may be warranted. This is not necessarily a weakness of the book but rather a caution to educators considering using this textbook as an introduction to nutrition education.
Overall, the book is well written and provides constructive information that can benefit both current nutrition educators and those in training. With the increased prevalence of chronic diseases and demonstrated need for effective education and behavior change, this book meets a distinct need and will serve as a valuable resource. Too often practitioners approach nutrition education with the best of intentions, but without truly understanding the art behind education. A book of this nature, which provides both the "art" and "science" behind nutrition education, would be a welcome addition to a nutrition educator's resource library.
-Meredith Wagner, MS, RD, LRD
Licensed, Registered Dietitian
North Dakota State University
Fargo, ND
[email protected]