If You Build It They Will Come: Satisfaction of WIC Participants With Online and Traditional In-Person Nutrition Education

J Nutr Educ Behav. 2016 May;48(5):336-342.e1. doi: 10.1016/j.jneb.2016.02.011. Epub 2016 Mar 23.

Abstract

Objective: To examine satisfaction with in-person group and online nutrition education and compare findings based on language preference by Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) participants.

Methods: A total of 1,170 WIC participants were randomly assigned to 2 nutrition education modalities between March, 2014 and October, 2015 in Los Angeles, CA. Logistic regressions compared differences between groups in satisfaction outcomes.

Results: Participants in both education groups were highly satisfied regardless of modality of nutrition education (89% and 95%; P = .01). The online group reported a stronger preference for online education than did the in-person group (P < .001). In the in-person group, Spanish-speaking participants were less likely than were English-speaking participants to prefer online education (P < .001). A training video improved access to online education.

Conclusions and implications: Online delivery of education can be an acceptable addition for WIC participants with online access. High-quality online education platforms represent an important avenue to promote continued satisfaction with nutrition education.

Keywords: Hispanic; WIC; in-person education; nutrition education; online education.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Food Assistance / statistics & numerical data*
  • Health Education / methods*
  • Health Education / statistics & numerical data*
  • Health Promotion
  • Hispanic or Latino / psychology*
  • Hispanic or Latino / statistics & numerical data*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Los Angeles / epidemiology
  • Male
  • Nutrition Therapy
  • Personal Satisfaction*
  • Young Adult