Feasibility of an 8-week African American web-based pilot program promoting healthy eating behaviors: Family Eats.

Abstract

To assess log-on rates and change in mediating variables achieved from a web-based nutrition intervention for African American families. A parent and 9- to 12- year-old daughter (n=67 families) completed questionnaires measuring dietary change mediating variables. Overall log-on rate was 59%. Significant positive changes were noted in mother-reported menu planning, self-efficacy, fruit/vegetable availability self-efficacy, modifying meat-fat practices, substitution fat practices, and healthy restaurant selection, and daughter-reported parent modeling of eating fruit and vegetables. An Internet-delivered nutrition intervention for families was successful in achieving change in some mediating variables, with modest log-on rates. Future research should investigate impact on dietary behaviors.