Evaluating national nutrition promotion programs in Singapore

Objective: To illustrate the evaluation of national nutrition programs. Methods: Analysis of trends of dietary practices and nutrient intake among the various population groups with data from the National Nutrition Surveys. Findings: Based on data in 1998 and 2001, the priority areas were to increase fruit and vegetable intake; decrease total fat and saturated fat intake; increase wholegrain products intake; reduce salt/sauces addition. Multi-pronged strategies were implemented to promote healthier food choices through mass media public education, face-to-face strategies and working with the food industry. The trends in dietary practices and intakes improved in terms of proportion of adults who consumed at least 2 servings of fruit (from 20 to 28 %) and 2 servings of vegetables (from 15 to 43 %) daily. The proportion who consumed at least 2 servings of fruit and 2 servings of vegetables daily also increased from 5 to 14%. There was also an increase in proportion of Singaporeans that did not add salt/sauces to their food (40 to 63%). However, more efforts are necessary to address inadequate intakes of wholegrain products and excessive fat and saturated fat intake. Few Singaporeans consumed the recommended 1 serving of wholegrain product daily with 13% consuming at least 0.5 servings daily. More Singaporeans had excessive total fat (43%) and saturated fat intake (85%) compared to 1998 (25% and 84% respectively). Indians (52%) and those 18-29 years old (59%) were most likely to have excessive total fat intake. Evaluation findings would be used for further planning of intervention programs.