Research Accomplishment Reports 2010

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EFNEP Related Research, Program Evaluation and Outreach

H. Forsythe

 

Non-Technical Summary

A new, modified set of evaluation tools and techniques for EFNEP will yield assessment data for this federal program that will provide increased credibility. In addition to dietary quality and food related behavior data, program leaders will be able to report non-nutrition outcomes such as increased quality of life indicators. The use of more sensitive evaluation tools should lead to the development of more effective nutrition education materials and teaching methodologies.

Another goal is a better understanding of the influence of education on behavioral change among low-income populations, as well as clearer programmatic and research linkages, connecting science and practice.

2010 Project Description

Literature review has been refocused, reassigned and provided new deadlines. It will form the basis of an NIH grant proposal. Findings from the survey of EFNEP coordinators suggests that the current 24-hour dietary recall (24HDR) is difficult for paraprofessionals and clients to use and does not provide valid information for comparing changes from program entry to exit. A manuscript has been drafted and will be submitted for publication.

Six states, including Oklahoma, are currently testing an electronic version of the 24HDR developed by NIH's National Cancer Institute. To date, younger EFNEP clientele appear to prefer the electronic version and the time to conduct the electronic 24HDR appears to be similar to or less than the group, paper-and-pencil version.

Data collection should be completed by mid-December and analysis will begin in January 2011.

2010 Impact

Completed survey of EFNEP directors examining the challenges of conducting dietary assessments. Publication in progress.

Developed pilot study with data collection currently underway to determine the feasibility of using electronic dietary assessment with EFNEP clientele and comparing electronic to group paper-and-pencil administration.

Refocused and reassigned sections of the literature review (objective 1) which will form the basis of an NIH grant proposal.

Establishment of a searchable data base of EFNEP literature is underway at Pennsylvania State University.