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

Abstract

ObjectiveTo 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. MethodsA 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. ResultsParticipants 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 ImplicationsOnline 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.