A mixed-methods evaluation using low-income adult Georgians’ experience with a smartphone-based eLearning nutrition education programme

2018 ◽  
Vol 21 (17) ◽  
pp. 3271-3280 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Stotz ◽  
Jung Sun Lee ◽  
Jori Hall
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Nutrition Education ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Comparative Method ◽  
Eating Behaviour ◽  
Education Programme ◽  
Safety Net ◽  
Tracking Data ◽  
External Incentives

AbstractObjectiveTo understand low-income adults’ expectations and experiences using an innovative smartphone and theory-based eLearning nutrition education programme, entitled Food eTalk.DesignLongitudinal mixed-methods single case study including a series of focus group and individual interviews, demographic and Internet habits surveys, and user-tracking data. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, analysed using the constant comparative method and digitalized using Atlas.ti. Descriptive statistics were analysed for demographics and user-tracking data.SettingCommunity-based locations including libraries, public housing complexes, schools, safety-net clinics and food pantries.SubjectsLow-income Georgian adults aged ≥18 years (n64), USA.ResultsParticipants found Food eTalk easy to navigate and better designed than expected. Primary themes were twofold: (i) motivation to engage in eLearning may be a formidable barrier to Food eTalk’s success but improved programme content, format and external incentives could mitigate this barrier; and (ii) applying knowledge to change nutrition-related behaviour is challenging. To encourage engagement in eLearning nutrition education, programme format should highlight interactive games, videos, be short in length, and feature content that is relevant and important from the perspective of the priority audience. Examples of these topics include quick and easy recipes, chronic disease-specific diet information and tips to feed ‘picky’ children. Additionally, external incentives may help mitigate barriers to healthful eating behaviour and increase engagement in the programme.ConclusionsThe findings suggest eLearning nutrition education programmes are best designed to match low-income adults’ typical smartphone habits, include content considered particularly relevant by the intended audience and highlight solutions to barriers to healthful eating.

scholarly journals Impact of a nutrition education programme on preschool children’s willingness to consume fruits and vegetables

2020 ◽  
Vol 23 (10) ◽  
pp. 1846-1853
Author(s):  
Emily M Melnick ◽  
Karen Thomas ◽  
Charlotte Farewell ◽  
Jennie Quinlan ◽  
Deanna LaFlamme ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nutrition Education ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Comparison Group ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Education Programme ◽  
Change Over Time ◽  
School Year ◽  
Preschool Classrooms ◽  
Over Time

AbstractObjective:To evaluate the impact of a preschool-based nutrition education programme consisting of twelve ‘hands on’ nutrition education lessons delivered during the school year on young children’s willingness to consume fruits and vegetables.Design:Quasi-experimental, pre-post design including the collection of plate waste evaluation data at the start and end of the 2015–2016 school year within two groups: (1) randomly selected classrooms receiving the intervention and (2) within conveniently sampled preschool classrooms not receiving the intervention serving as a comparison group.Setting:Centre-based preschool programmes serving low-income families in the Denver metro area.Participants:Three- to five-year-old children in preschool classrooms participating in the intervention during the 2015–2016 school year (n 308) and children enrolled in comparison classrooms (n 215).Results:Repeated-measures logit models assessed whether increases in the odds of consuming small samples of fruits and vegetables between Time 1 (pre-intervention) and Time 2 (post-intervention) were different for children within the intervention group compared with the comparison group. Analyses showed that the change over time in consumption of the three vegetable samples varied by intervention status with greater change occurring among children within the intervention group (edamame: P = 0·001; cauliflower: P ≤ 0·0001 and red pepper: P ≤ 0·0001). Unlike vegetables, the change over time in consumption of the two fruit samples was not different between children within the intervention and comparison groups.Conclusions:An experiential-learning nutrition education programme can positively influence eating behaviours of low-income preschoolers in a centre-based setting by increasing willingness to consume vegetables.

The Feasibility of an eLearning Nutrition Education Program for Low-Income Individuals

2016 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 150-157 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Stotz ◽  
Jung Sun Lee ◽  
Hui Rong ◽  
Deborah Murray
Keyword(s):  
Nutrition Education ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Education Program ◽  
Comparative Method ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Individual Interviews ◽  
Cost Effective Method ◽  
Nutrition Education Program ◽  
Nutrition Educators

Background. Online eLearning may be an innovative, efficient, and cost-effective method of providing nutrition education to a diverse low-income audience. Aims. The intent of this project is to examine perceptions of nutrition educators regarding the feasibility of an eLearning nutrition education program tailored to low-income Georgians. Method. Semistructured individual interviews were conducted, guided by the constructivist theory. The interview guide focused on three themes: accessibility, literacy, and content. A prototype of the program also served as a talking point. Interviews were conducted in two urban Georgian counties in a location chosen by each participant. We recruited a convenience sample of Georgian nutrition educators ( n = 10, 100% female, 50% Black). Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using constant comparative method. Results and Discussion. Motivation is considered the primary barrier to program feasibility. Neither access to the Internet nor literacy are considered significant barriers. Inclusion of skill-based, visual education methods such as cooking videos, recipes, and step-by-step teaching tools was highlighted. Nutrition educators perceived this program would be a feasible form of nutrition education for the priority audience. Conclusions. Findings from this study will inform the user-centered development of the program.

scholarly journals An online diabetes nutrition education programme for American Indian and Alaska Native adults with type 2 diabetes: perspectives from key stakeholders

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Sarah Stotz ◽  
Angela G Brega ◽  
Steven Lockhart ◽  
Luciana E Hebert ◽  
J Neil Henderson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Type 2 Diabetes ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Nutrition Education ◽  
American Indians ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Comparative Method ◽  
Education Programme ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Community Participant

Abstract Objective: To explore stakeholder perspectives regarding online diabetes nutrition education for American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN) with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Design: Qualitative data were collected through focus groups and interviews. Focus group participants completed a brief demographic and internet use survey. Setting: Focus groups and community participant interviews were conducted in diverse AI/AN communities. Interviews with nationally recognised content experts were held via teleconference. Participants: Eight focus groups were conducted with AI/AN adults with T2D (n 29) and their family members (n 22). Community participant interviews were conducted with eleven clinicians and healthcare administrators working in Native communities. Interviews with nine content experts included clinicians and researchers serving AI/AN. Results: Qualitative content analysis used constant comparative method for coding and generating themes across transcripts. Descriptive statistics were computed from surveys. AI/AN adults access the internet primarily through smartphones, use the internet for many purposes and identify opportunities for online diabetes nutrition education. Conclusions: Online diabetes nutrition education may be feasible in Indian Country. These findings will inform the development of an eLearning diabetes nutrition education programme for AI/AN adults with T2D.

scholarly journals Making community-supported agriculture accessible to low-income families: findings from the Farm Fresh Foods for Healthy Kids process evaluation

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer A Garner ◽  
Stephanie B Jilcott Pitts ◽  
Karla L Hanson ◽  
Alice S Ammerman ◽  
Jane Kolodinsky ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Nutrition Education ◽  
Process Evaluation ◽  
Diet Quality ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Community Supported Agriculture ◽  
Geographically Dispersed ◽  
Cost Offset ◽  
Low Income Families ◽  
Fresh Foods

Abstract A randomized trial of Farm Fresh Foods for Healthy Kids (F3HK) was initiated across 4 states and 12 farms to test whether cost-offset community-supported agriculture (CO-CSA) could improve diet quality among children in low-income families. Intervention households purchased a 50% subsidized share of local produce and were invited to nine complimentary nutrition classes. The purpose of this study was to assess F3HK reach, dose, and fidelity via a mixed methods process evaluation. Screening and enrollment records indicated reach; study records and postlesson educator surveys tracked dose delivered; CSA pickup logs, lesson sign-in sheets, postseason participant surveys, and postlesson caregiver surveys assessed dose received; and coordinator audits and educator surveys tracked fidelity. Educator interviews contextualized findings. The results of this study were as follows. Reach: enrolled caregivers (n = 305) were older (p = .005) than eligible nonenrollees (n = 243) and more likely to be female (p < .001). Dose: mean CSA season was 21 weeks (interquartile range [IQR]: 19–23). Median CSA pickup was 88% of the weeks (IQR: 40–100). All sites offered each class at least once. Most adults (77%) and children (54%) attended at least one class; few attended all. Eighty-two percent of caregivers indicated that their household consumed most or all produce. Median lesson activity ratings were 5/5 (“very useful”). Fidelity: CSA locations functioned with integrity to project standards. Educators taught 92% of activities but frequently modified lesson order. This study demonstrates the feasibility of pairing a CO-CSA intervention with nutrition education across geographically dispersed sites. Greater integration of intervention elements and clearer allowance for site-level modifications, particularly for educational elements, may improve intervention dose and, ultimately, impact.

scholarly journals The impact of a nutrition education programme on the anthropometric nutritional status of low-income children in South Africa

2002 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
CM Walsh ◽  
A Dannhauser ◽  
G Joubert
Keyword(s):  
Nutritional Status ◽  
Nutrition Education ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Education Programme ◽  
Food Aid ◽  
Urban Study ◽  
Standard Deviations ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Height For Age ◽  
Weight For Age

AbstractObjective:The study determined the impact of a community-based nutrition education programme, using trained community nutrition advisors, on the anthropometric nutritional status of mixed-race children aged between 2 and 5 years.Design and setting:The programme was implemented over two years in four study areas in the Free State and Northern Cape Provinces. Two control areas were included to differentiate between the effect of the education programme and a food aid programme that were implemented simultaneously. Weight-for-age, height-for-age and weight-for-height were summarised using standard deviations from the NCHS reference median. For each of the indicators, the difference in the percentage of children below minus two standard deviations from the reference NCHS median in the initial and follow-up surveys was determined.Subjects:Initially 536 children were measured and, after two years of intervention, 815.Results:Weight-for-age improved in all areas, but only significantly in boys and girls in the urban study area, and in boys in one rural study area. No significant improvement in height-for-age occurred in any area. Weight-for-height improved significantly in the urban study area.Conclusion:The education programme in combination with food aid succeeded in improving the weight status of children, but was unable to facilitate catch-up growth in stunted children after two years of intervention.

A Pilot Fruit and Vegetable Prescription (FVRx) Program Improves Local Fruit and Vegetable Consumption, Nutrition Knowledge, and Food Purchasing Practices

2021 ◽  
pp. 152483992110181
Author(s):  
Nicholas Slagel ◽  
Taylor Newman ◽  
Laurel Sanville ◽  
Jennifer Jo Thompson ◽  
Jackie Dallas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nutrition Education ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Vegetable Consumption ◽  
Safety Net ◽  
Nutrition Knowledge ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable Consumption ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable ◽  
Farmers Market ◽  
Food Purchasing

Fruit and Vegetable Prescription (FVRx) programs rely on diverse community and clinic partnerships to improve food security and fruit and vegetable consumption among medically underserved patient populations. Despite the growth in these programs, little is known about the feasibility or effectiveness of the unique partnerships developed to implement FVRx programs conducted in both community and free safety-net clinic settings. A 6-month nonrandomized controlled trial of an FVRx program was pilot tested with 54 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)–eligible adults with diet-related chronic conditions. The intervention combined monthly produce prescriptions for local produce at a farmers market, SNAP-Ed direct nutrition education, and health screenings for low-income adults. Process and outcome evaluations were conducted with respective samples using administrative program data (recruitment, retention, and prescription redemption) and self-administered pre- and postintervention surveys with validated measures on dietary intake, nutrition knowledge and behavior, and food purchasing practices. Descriptive statistical analyses were conducted. The FVRx program retained 77.3% of participants who spent nearly 90% of their prescription dollars. After the intervention, the FVRx group reported significantly increased total intake of fruits and vegetables, knowledge of fresh fruit and vegetable preparation, purchase of fresh fruits and vegetables from a farmers market, and significantly altered food purchasing practices compared with the control group. Community-based nutrition education organizations enhance the feasibility and effectiveness of community and clinic-based FVRx programs for improving low-income adults’ ability to enhance food and nutrition-related behaviors.

scholarly journals Evaluation of the Farmers’ Markets for Kids programme

2016 ◽  
Vol 19 (18) ◽  
pp. 3397-3405 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel Dannefer ◽  
Erica Bryan ◽  
Alyce Osborne ◽  
Rachel Sacks
Keyword(s):  
New York ◽  
Nutrition Education ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Education Programme ◽  
Farmers Markets ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Farmers Market ◽  
The Impact

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the impact of Farmers’ Markets for Kids, a farmers’ market-based, child-oriented nutrition education programme, on attitudes and behaviours related to preparing and consuming produce among child participants and their caregivers in New York City (NYC).DesignRetrospective pre-test/post-test cross-sectional survey with caregivers of children participating in Farmers’ Markets for Kids classes.SettingFour NYC farmers’ markets where Farmers’ Markets for Kids classes are implemented; these markets serve low-income communities.SubjectsTwo hundred and twelve adult caregivers of children who participated in Farmers’ Markets for Kids classes.ResultsCaregivers reported that children’s consumption of fruits and vegetables had increased since participating in Farmers’ Markets for Kids and that their children more frequently assisted with food preparation; both of these improvements were statistically significant. Caregivers also reported significant improvements in attitudes: since participating in Farmers’ Markets for Kids, their children were more willing to try new fruits and vegetables and caregivers found it easier to prepare fruits and vegetables for their children. Almost all respondents (99 %) reported purchasing more fruits and vegetables since participating in Farmers’ Markets for Kids and 95 % had prepared the programme’s recipes at home.ConclusionsFindings suggest that Farmers’ Markets for Kids may be an effective approach for increasing produce consumption among participating children and improving related attitudes among children and caregivers. This evaluation provides support for future efforts to undertake more rigorous evaluations of such programmes.

scholarly journals Challenges to parent nutrition education: a qualitative study of parents of urban children attending low-income schools

2011 ◽  
Vol 14 (10) ◽  
pp. 1833-1841 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wendelin Slusser ◽  
Michael Prelip ◽  
Janni Kinsler ◽  
Jennifer Toller Erausquin ◽  
Chan Thai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Los Angeles ◽  
Nutrition Education ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Fast Food ◽  
Eating Habits ◽  
Education Programme ◽  
Basic Knowledge ◽  
Easy Access ◽  
Healthy Foods ◽  
School Students

AbstractObjectiveThe present study was undertaken to learn more about parents’ (i) knowledge regarding healthy foods, factors associated with food purchasing and preparation, and current nutrition education resources, (ii) barriers to and promoters for establishing healthy eating habits for children and families, and (iii) interest in participating in nutrition interventions.DesignFocus group interviews were conducted with parents of low-income children from the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD).SettingLAUSD Title 1 elementary schools where 50 % or more of students are eligible for free/reduced-price meals.SubjectsSixty-four parents (93 % female; 84 % Hispanic/Latino) of elementary-school students.ResultsThe most common barriers to eating healthy foods were cost, difficulty in getting children to eat healthier foods and easy access to fast food. Parents had a basic knowledge about what foods are healthy and received most of their nutrition education through the media. Parents expressed a desire for nutrition classes and almost all of them said they would attend a nutrition programme at their child's school. Topic areas of interest included what to purchase, how to cook healthier foods, how to encourage their children to eat healthier and how to read food labels. Parents also requested classes that engage the whole family, especially fathers.ConclusionsParents in our study were interested in participating in nutrition education programmes. The information from these focus groups was used to design a parent nutrition education programme especially designed to respond to the needs of the LAUSD parents, the majority of whom are low-income and Hispanic/Latino.

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