A Supplemental Produce and eLearning Nutrition Education Program for Georgians Who Use Safety-Net Clinics for Their Health Care.

OBJECTIVE

To explore the experiences of safety-net clinic patients who engaged in a 12-week supplemental produce and eLearning nutrition education program.

METHODS

This mixed-method study employed a nonrandomized comparison study design. Participants (intervention [n = 20] and comparison control [n = 6]) had diet-related chronic diseases. Data collection included pre- and post-intervention, focus group interviews, 24-hour diet recalls, and clinical and anthropometric outcome assessments. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and coded using the constant comparison method. Nonparametric data analyses were conducted for quantitative data.

RESULTS

Three primary themes emerged: (1) program benefits, (2) challenges to achieving health benefits and optimal engagement of the program, and (3) recommendations for program improvement. Quantitative data analysis did not show significant differences in pre- and post-clinical and anthropometric measures between the intervention and comparison groups.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Findings suggest a unique Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education dissemination model that may decrease barriers to healthful eating and increase engagement in eLearning nutrition education.