Evaluation of dietary habits and cooking confidence using virtual teaching kitchens for perimenopausal women

BACKGROUND: The transition to menopause is a time when women are at increased risk for chronic and cardiovascular diseases, and weight gain. This study evaluates the efficacy of virtual teaching kitchen (TK) interventions on cooking confidence and consumption of a healthy diet in women over 45. METHODS: This teaching kitchen intervention is a synchronous online series of classes for perimenopausal women, with 45 min of live cooking and 15 min of nutrition discussion. From September 2020 through January 2022, participants completed online pre- post-intervention surveys addressing weight, eating habits, cooking confidence and self-efficacy. Analysis used paired samples t-test and Wilcoxon signed rank sum test for normally and non-normal distributed data respectively. RESULTS: Of the 609 unique participants, 269 women completed both pre and post surveys after attending classes. Participants self-reported a statistically significant decreased weight (p < 0.001), increased daily consumption of fruit/vegetables (p < 0.039), fish (p < 0.001) and beans (p < 0.005), and decreased daily consumption of red meat (p < 0.001), sugary beverages (p < 0.029) and white grains (p < 0.039). There was significant improvement in cooking self-efficacy and confidence. CONCLUSIONS: Virtual teaching kitchens were effective in improving culinary and dietary habits among peri- and post-menopausal women. This early evidence suggests that teaching kitchens can effectively reach larger populations for healthy behavioral modification. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Study obtained IRB exemption.