Influence of Sequential SNAP-Ed Nutritional Intervention in Washington D.C. Preschoolers

Abstract

Abstract Objectives Many preschoolers do not consume the daily recommended intake of dairy products, especially those living in a low-income family. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) conducted two series of educational interventions directed toward the low-fat dairy consumption of preschoolers in Washington D.C. This study aimed to examine the influence that sequential educational intervention had on enhancing the preschoolers’ knowledge of dairy products, including types and related health benefits. Methods In January 2018, SNAP-Ed educators implemented intervention I in 105 classes in 25 diverse sites. In July 2018, they conducted intervention II in 34 classes in 12 diverse sites. Two-question pre- and post-assessments were given in each intervention to 1232 and 409 preschoolers aged 2 to 5 years old, respectively. In intervention I, the children were asked to raise their hand if they agreed: Q1. Milk is a dairy food. Q2. Dairy foods help to keep our bones and teeth strong. In intervention II, the children were asked to raise their hand if they agreed: Q1. Calcium and Vitamin D help to keep our teeth and bones strong. Q2. Yogurt gives us calcium for strong bones and teeth. Results Results showed that in both interventions there was a positive change. In intervention I, initially, 27% and 30% of preschoolers correctly answered Q1 and Q2. After the intervention, 98% and 99% of preschoolers correctly answered Q1 and Q2, respectively. In intervention II, initially, 55% and 60% of preschoolers correctly answered Q1 and Q2, respectively. However, after the intervention, 86% and 90% of preschoolers correctly answered Q1 and Q2, respectively. With intervention I, preschoolers showed a 71% and 69% increase in their knowledge in Q1 and Q2, respectively. While in intervention II, they showed a 31% and 30% increase in their knowledge in Q1 and Q2, respectively. Conclusions Both SNAP-Ed dairy nutrition education interventions significantly increased preschoolers’ knowledge of dairy products. Initial results of intervention II revealed the improvement in the preschoolers’ knowledge of low-fat dairy resulted from intervention I. Future studies can include intervention for daily recommended intake of dairies. Funding Sources Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010