Evaluation of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education: Application of Behavioral Theory and Survey Validation

Abstract

ObjectiveApplication of the Transtheoretical Model (TTM) to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) evaluation and development and validation of an evaluation tool used to measure TTM constructs is described. MethodsSurveys were collected from parents of children receiving food at Summer Food Service Program sites prior to SNAP-Ed participation. ResultsItem analysis of survey data (n = 149) suggests the survey is valid and reliable. Structural Equation Modeling confirmed the use of the TTM constructs in predicting SNAP-Ed participants' fruit and vegetable consumption. Perceived barriers (P = .04) and self-efficacy (P = .006) were associated with fruit and vegetable consumption, whereas perceived benefits were not. Conclusions and ImplicationsApplication of theory and survey validation can enhance SNAP-Ed evaluation.