Television and Nutrition in Juvenile Detention Centers

Background: We sought to improve the ability of incarcerated juveniles to critically evaluate media food messages through an educational program that focused on nutrition. Methods: Surveys were administered to two groups of inmates of both sexes (seven to 16 years). The program consisted of forty-one 50 minute sessions (three times per week for 15 weeks) focusing on media and nutrition. Results: None of the participants identified accurate nutrition information before the intervention. After the program, the intervention group (n = 16) identified inconsistencies between nutrition labeling and media messages better than the controls (n = 17). Intervention inmates also expressed a greater interest in learning more about nutrition and had a better understanding of how diet is a factor in health. Conclusions: Health professionals can design health promotion programs that have a positive impact on the inmates’ life while they are in custody, or after their release.