Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of a Mindful Eating for Health Program among Brazilian healthcare workers, compared to a Food and Nutrition Education Program and a Control Group. METHODS: This mixed-methods pragmatic randomized controlled trial will enroll 270 healthcare workers aged 20-59 years in Brazil from October 2023 to November 2026. Participants will be randomized into three groups: Mindful Eating for Health Program, Food and Nutrition Education Program, or Control Group. Interventions comprise 8 weekly online sessions. Quantitative data including anthropometric measurements (waist circumference, body mass index) and psychometric assessments (eating behavior, mindfulness, anxiety, depression, self-care, self-compassion, perceived stress) will be collected at baseline, post-intervention, and at 3, 6, and 12-month follow-ups. Qualitative data including interviews and field observations will be gathered from participants at 3 and 12 months post-intervention. Statistical analyses will include paired t-tests, repeated measures analysis of variance, structural equation modeling for mediation analysis, and generalized estimating equations. Qualitative data will undergo content analysis using Bardin's method. RESULTS: Not applicable for this protocol study. CONCLUSIONS: This study expects to confirm the effectiveness of the Mindful Eating for Health Program in improving eating behaviors and well-being among Brazilian healthcare workers.