Evaluation of Diet Quality, Physical Health, and Mental Health Baseline Data from a Wellness Intervention for Individuals Living in Transitional Housing

TL;DR

This study assesses the health and diet of people in transitional housing, finding high rates of obesity and poor diet quality, with financial and physical barriers to wellness.

Contribution

The study provides baseline data on health metrics and barriers to wellness in transitional housing residents, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.

Findings

Participants had high BMI and body fat percentages, exceeding recommended levels.

Diet quality was poor, with a Healthy Eating Index score of 39.7/100.

Common barriers to wellness included financial constraints and physical limitations.

Abstract

Background/Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate baseline health measurements among transitional housing residents (n = 29) participating in an 8-week pilot wellness intervention. Methods: Researchers measured anthropometrics, body composition, muscular strength, cardiovascular indicators, physical activity, diet quality, and health-related perceptions. Researchers analyzed data using descriptive statistics and conventional content analysis. Results: Most participants were male, White, and food insecure. Mean BMI (31.8 ± 8.6 kg/m2), waist-to-hip ratio (1.0 ± 0.1 males, 0.9 ± 0.1 females), body fat percentage (25.8 ± 6.1% males, 40.5 ± 9.4% females), blood pressure (131.8 ± 17.9/85.2 ± 13.3 mmHg), and daily step counts exceeded recommended levels. Absolute grip strength (77.1 ± 19.4 kg males, 53.0 ± 15.7 kg females) and perceived general health were below reference standards. The Healthy Eating Index-2020 score (39.7/100) indicated low diet quality. Common barriers to healthy eating were financial constraints (29.6%) and limited cooking/storage facilities (29.6%), as well as to exercise, physical impediments (14.8%). Conclusions: Residents living in transitional housing have less favorable body composition, diet, and grip strength measures, putting them at risk for negative health outcomes. Wellness interventions aimed at promoting improved health-related outcomes while addressing common barriers to proper diet and exercise among transitional housing residents are warranted.