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

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.