scholarly journals The Effectiveness of the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) on Diet Quality as Measured by the Healthy Eating Index

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 316-325 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Perkins ◽  
Angela Daley ◽  
Kathryn Yerxa ◽  
Mona Therrien
Keyword(s):  
Nutrition Education ◽  
Healthy Eating ◽  
Diet Quality ◽  
Education Program ◽  
Ordinary Least Squares ◽  
Healthy Eating Index ◽  
Assistance Program ◽  
Food And Nutrition ◽  
Nutrition Education Program ◽  
Food And Nutrition Education

The objective of the study was to assess the relationship between participation in the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) and food-related behavior change, as measured by the Healthy Eating Index (HEI)-2005, using a single-state, case study approach. Pre-EFNEP and post-EFNEP participation HEI scores as well as demographic, geographic, socioeconomic, and program participation characteristics from fiscal years 2013-2016 were analyzed using summary statistics and Ordinary Least Squares regressions. HEI scores were adjusted for age, sex, race, rural/urban residence, county, highest grade achieved, income, number of children, public assistance programs, and number of hours in EFNEP in the analysis. The total HEI score and several HEI subscores improved from pre-EFNEP to post-EFNEP at the 5% significance level or better. Sodium and total grains scores decreased post-EFNEP: P = .003 and P = .05, respectively. Participation in Women, Infants, and Children or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program had no effect on HEI scores or changes in scores post-EFNEP. Spending less than 7 hours in the program was associated with a smaller improvement in total HEI score ( P = .05) and an increased intake of sodium ( P = .03), compared with spending 7 to 16 hours in the program. Overall, EFNEP participation was associated with improvements in diet quality.

scholarly journals What Social, Program, and Behavioral Factors Influence the Healthy Eating Index for EFNEP and SNAP-Ed Adult Participants?

2015 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 344-353 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dave D. Weatherspoon ◽  
Steven R. Miller ◽  
Marie E. Steele ◽  
Cathy J. Newkirk ◽  
Olga Santiago ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nutrition Education ◽  
Healthy Eating ◽  
Education Program ◽  
Eating Habits ◽  
Healthy Eating Index ◽  
Social Program ◽  
Behavioral Factors ◽  
Food And Nutrition ◽  
Nutrition Education Program ◽  
Food And Nutrition Education

The main objectives of this article were to determine the demographic factors, the program related factors and the behavioral factors that influence Michigan Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program–Education outcomes. Secondarily, we sought to understand the trends and changes in Healthy Eating Index (HEI) scores across the differing baseline score groups. The data were collected by nutrition instructors in a pretest, posttest design to capture change in healthy eating habits through changes in HEI scores. The participants were all low-income program participants during the years of 2011 and 2012, living in Michigan. Findings show that eating habits improved most in households with weekly per-person income within $100 to $500, and with Caucasian females living in cities or suburbs. Improvements were also greater with those who took part in the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program, where the participants exhibited higher baseline frequency of planning meals before grocery shopping, comparing prices, and budgeting enough money for food and food related purchases. Overall, the average change in HEI scores increased by 2.3 points, however, the variability between the participants’ changes was high, suggesting that more targeted program lessons might increase program efficacy, especially for those participants with high baseline HEI scores.

scholarly journals Adoption, Implementation and Maintenance of the Food and Physical Activity Questionnaire for National Nutrition Education Program Evaluation

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 1319-1319
Author(s):  
Mallory Koenings ◽  
Helen Chipman
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Food Security ◽  
Nutrition Education ◽  
Diet Quality ◽  
Education Program ◽  
Food Resource ◽  
Food And Nutrition ◽  
Nutrition Education Program ◽  
Food And Nutrition Education ◽  
Activity Questionnaire

Abstract Objectives The Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) is a national nutrition education program aimed to improve the health of low-income families in the areas of diet quality, physical activity, food safety, food resource management, and food security. Although EFNEP funds may not be used for research, the program provides an opportunity to disseminate and implement research-based tools and interventions. This study examines the nationwide adoption, implementation, and continual use of the research-tested Food and Physical Activity Questionnaire (FPAQ) for EFNEP adult evaluation. Methods Transition from the Adult Behavior Checklist to the FPAQ was assessed following the RE-AIM dissemination and implementation framework. Specifically, the three factors of Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance. Adoption was measured by the proportion of total EFNEP institutions using the FPAQ. Implementation measures included consistency and modifications made by EFNEP institutions. Lastly, maintenance was assessed via national program outcomes. Results Adoption was 100%. All 76 land-grant universities that deliver EFNEP used FPAQ starting October 1, 2018. On average, FPAQ was used annually by 384 professionals, 1456 paraprofessionals, and 15,705 volunteers. Implementation fidelity was supported through Spanish and English language formatted questionnaires, facilitation guides, and online training. All institutions used the same web-based system to enter participant responses pre and post nutrition education intervention. Modifications included grayscale questionnaires and translation into Chinese, Hmong, Arabic, Somali, and Karen. Averages of 2018 and 2019 FPAQ results show that after completing EFNEP, adults improved behaviors in the areas of diet quality (93%), physical activity (78%), food safety (80%), food resource management (80%), and food security (48%). Conclusions Overall, the FPAQ was successfully adopted and implemented by all 76 universities that deliver EFNEP across the country. As use continues, additional measures of efficacy at the university-level and the national-level may strengthen the assessment of maintenance and public health impact of national nutrition education programs. Funding Sources USDA National institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP).

scholarly journals Impact of actions of food and nutrition education program in a population of adolescents

2016 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 65-75 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juliana Garcia BALDASSO ◽  
Andréa Polo GALANTE ◽  
Aline DE PIANO GANEN
Keyword(s):  
Food Intake ◽  
Nutrition Education ◽  
Diet Quality ◽  
Education Program ◽  
Quality Index ◽  
Nutritional Intervention ◽  
Diet Quality Index ◽  
Food And Nutrition ◽  
Nutrition Education Program ◽  
Food And Nutrition Education

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate changes in food intake after adolescents attended a food and nutrition education program at a non-profit institution. Methods: Fifty-four adolescents aged 16 to 19 years, of low socioeconomic level, enrolled in an non-governmental organization in São Paulo, underwent a nutritional intervention of six months consisting of six meetings with dieticians, as well as strategic communication and relationship actions. Body weight, height, body mass index, questionnaire on knowledge on nutrition and feeding practices, 24-hour recall, and diet quality assessment using the Diet Quality Index associated with the Digital Food Guide were collected at baseline and after the intervention. Dietary pattern improvement was defined as an increase of at least 5 points in Diet Quality Index associated with the Digital Food Guide. Results: Understanding of food labels increased, and the dietary patterns on weekdays and weekends improved by 33 and 37%, respectively. The intake of legumes, milk, dairy products, fruits, and vegetables increased (adequacy components). However, intakes of nuts and whole grains were low, and intake of moderation components was high. Conclusion: The program improved the dietary patterns of adolescents, making it a viable and inexpensive method to prevent disease and improve health and quality of life. In addition, the Diet Quality Index associated with the Digital Food Guide has proven to be a good nutritional tool for assessing changes in food intake and for guiding future counseling and nutritional intervention actions for this population.

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