Using intervention mapping for systematic development of two school‐based interventions aimed at increasing children's fruit and vegetable intake

The purpose of this paper is to show how the intervention mapping (IM) protocol could be applied to the development of two school‐based interventions. It provides an extensive description of the development, implementation and evaluation of two interventions which aimed to increase fruit and vegetable (F&V) consumption among primary school children.

The paper describes how information drawn from relevant literature and theory, as well as additional data collected from primary school children, their parents and teachers, were applied to the development, implementation and evaluation of the interventions. The IM protocol consists of five steps: defining proximal program objectives; applying methods and strategies for behavioural change; creating a program plan; preparing program implementation; and evaluation. An extensive assessment of the perceived health problem was conducted prior to beginning step 1 of IM.

Application of the protocol resulted in two school‐based interventions aimed at making F&V consumption habitual: a free F&V distribution program; and a multi‐component, age‐specific program consisting of a classroom curriculum and parental involvement.

The matrices presented can provide health educators with a foundation for the development of future dietary interventions for children.

By providing a detailed description of the application of the IM, it was shown that the protocol can be used as a practical aid for the development of planned health promotion interventions. It proved to be an effective means for making well‐considered choices in every step of program development and implementation.