Social marketing improved the consumption of iron-fortified soy sauce among women in China

J Nutr Educ Behav. 2007 Nov-Dec;39(6):302-10. doi: 10.1016/j.jneb.2007.03.090.

Abstract

Objective: To test the feasibility and effectiveness of social marketing on the improvement of women's knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding iron-fortified soy sauce (FeSS).

Design: A community-based intervention was conducted among 4 groups, experimental rural (E(R)), control rural (C(R)), experimental urban (E(U)), and control urban (C(U)).

Setting: Urban and rural areas in Guizhou province, China.

Participants: Women 19 to 70 years old (n = 193 in rural areas and n = 179 in urban areas).

Intervention: A mass-media campaign to promote use of FeSS was conducted throughout Guizhou province. In the intervention areas, social marketing strategies using integrated 6 Ps (product, price, place, promotion, policy, and partnership) were implemented from December 2004 to February 2006.

Main outcome measures: Knowledge of FeSS; benefits, barriers, and intention to purchase; availability of FeSS; behaviors regarding purchase and use of FeSS.

Analysis: Analysis of covariance, paired T test and cross-tabulations were used. The alpha level was set at .05.

Results: Compared with the baseline, perceived benefits of FeSS, barriers (BARRI) and intention to buy (INTEN) significantly improved within both experimental groups (P < .01 or .001). The only improvement in control groups was for BARRI in C(R) (P < .001). Availability of FeSS increased in all areas. Purchase and use of FeSS in rural and urban intervention groups increased by nearly 30% more than those in control groups.

Conclusion and implication: Social marketing of FeSS is feasible and effective to improve knowledge, perception (perceived benefits and overcoming barriers), intention to purchase, and consumption of FeSS among women in Guizhou, China.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Anemia, Iron-Deficiency / prevention & control
  • China
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Female
  • Food, Fortified / statistics & numerical data*
  • Health Behavior
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Health Promotion / methods
  • Humans
  • Iron, Dietary / administration & dosage*
  • Mass Media
  • Middle Aged
  • Rural Population / statistics & numerical data
  • Social Marketing*
  • Soy Foods / statistics & numerical data*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Urban Population / statistics & numerical data

Substances

  • Iron, Dietary