DIGITAL
IMPROVING NUTRITION AND MENTAL HEALTH LITERACY AMONG SOCIAL CARE PROFESSIONALS: A PILOT EVALUATION OF THE MOODBITES TRAINING PROGRAM
1 Department of Education and Research in Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Warsaw (POLAND)
2 Department of Human Nutrition, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Warsaw (POLAND)
3 Department of Health Psychology, Medical University of Warsaw (POLAND)
2 Department of Human Nutrition, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Warsaw (POLAND)
3 Department of Health Psychology, Medical University of Warsaw (POLAND)
About this paper:
Appears in: EDULEARN26 Proceedings
Publication year: 2026
Article: 2062
ISBN: 978-84-09-88444-5
ISSN: 2340-1117
doi: 10.21125/edulearn.2026.2062
Publication year: 2026
Article: 2062
ISBN: 978-84-09-88444-5
ISSN: 2340-1117
doi: 10.21125/edulearn.2026.2062
Conference name: 18th International Conference on Education and New Learning Technologies
Dates: 29 June-1 July, 2026
Location: Palma, Spain
Dates: 29 June-1 July, 2026
Location: Palma, Spain
Abstract:
Despite growing evidence linking dietary patterns with mental health outcomes, social care professionals often lack formal training in this area. The MoodBites Training Program (MbTP), developed within an Erasmus+ project (No. 2024-1-EL01-KA220-VET-000257791), was designed to address this gap by integrating nutrition and mental health education into professional training.This study evaluated the preliminary effectiveness and acceptability of MbTP using a quasi-experimental one-group pre–post design. The intervention consisted of a three-day international training workshop conducted in Portugal, involving 17 social and healthcare professionals from five European countries. Participants completed knowledge assessments before and after the training, as well as a one-month follow-up evaluation.
Quantitative analysis revealed a statistically significant increase in overall knowledge scores following the training (p < 0.05), with the strongest improvement observed in the module on dietary interventions in psychiatric disorders, indicating a large effect size. Qualitative findings identified four key themes: enhanced understanding of the nutrition–mental health relationship, acquisition of practical tools, development of counseling and motivational skills, and increased professional awareness.
Follow-up results indicated sustained application of the acquired knowledge in professional practice and high perceived usefulness of the program. Participants reported integrating nutritional guidance, mindfulness techniques, and behavior change strategies into their daily work with clients.
These findings provide preliminary evidence supporting the feasibility, acceptability, and educational value of interdisciplinary training programs in strengthening competencies among social care professionals. The MoodBites Training Program demonstrates the potential for scalable and practice-oriented educational interventions at the intersection of nutrition, mental health, and social care.