Implementation of an Educational Program to Improve Knowledge and Attitudes of Healthier Eating Practices and Benefits of Physical Activity among Residents of Smith Island, Maryland

Abstract

Obesity rates in the United States have drastically increased over the past 20 years. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the obesity rate for adults has nearly doubled since 1990, reaching as high as 32.2% among adult men and 35.5% among adult women. One rural community, Smith Island, Maryland, has special challenges in obtaining a healthy lifestyle due to their insolated environment. Although there have been small measures to reduce obesity on Smith Island, the need for further education is essential. The purpose of this program evaluation was to determine if a culturally sensitive educational program increases the knowledge of healthy eating practices and benefits of physical activity among residents of Smith Island. A convenience sample of 25 residents living on Smith Island was used. Residents were recruited to participate in an educational program that focused on healthier eating and benefits of physical activity. Overall, participants scored higher on the posttest compared to the pretest (t=−6.28, p<0.001). Additionally, the participants felt more confident in making changes in food choices (t=−4.64, p<0.001) and making nutritious meals for their families (t=−4.54, p<0.001). There was an increase in knowledge of healthy eating practices and benefits of physical activity in a rural community through the use of culturally sensitive educational tools. This demonstrates the need for culturally appropriate educational tools that focus on improving healthier eating habits and benefits of physical activity as a plausible strategy to reduce risk for obesity.