O29 Online Nutrition Education Resources for Low-Income Georgian Populations: Interest Among Community and Clinic-Based Organizations

Abstract

<h3>Background</h3> Community and clinic-based health care organizations play a vital role in administering nutrition education to low-income populations facing various financial and geographical barriers. Technology-based, online programs are accessible, flexible, and low-cost options to provide this audience with reliable nutrition education. <h3>Objective</h3> This study examined the current status of nutrition education and needs for online nutrition education resources among low-income Georgians from community and clinic-based health care providers' perspectives. <h3>Study Design, Setting, Participants</h3> A statewide online survey was conducted in a sample of 163 community key informants (86.8% female, 18.3% African American) serving a SNAP-eligible population. Purposive and convenience sampling methods were used to recruit 113 respondents from University of Georgia Cooperative Extension (UGA CE) and 50 community and clinic-based health care providers (HCPs), respectively. The survey included questions assessing nutrition education programs, partnerships, and eLearning experience and interest. <h3>Measurable Outcome/Analysis</h3> Descriptive analyses were conducted to summarize sample characteristics and responses to the online survey's key domains. <h3>Results</h3> Existing nutrition education programs were more prevalent in UGA CE settings (87.5%) than HCP settings (56.3%). Overall, experience in providing online programs was low among UGA CE and HCP respondents (18.8% and 28.3%, respectively). Participants from both groups expressed interest in offering online nutrition education programs to their clients (75.6% for UGA CE and 84.8% for HCPs), especially those from rurally based organizations. The most preferred format of online nutrition education programs was interactive scenario/game-based learning. Perceived challenges to offering online programs included client interest and motivation, access to technical assistance, and funding. <h3>Conclusion</h3> Organizations serving low-income Georgian populations are interested in offering online nutrition education programs to expand their current services and better reach their clientele. The findings of this study will inform the implementation and dissemination strategies for evidence-based online nutrition education programming for low-income Georgians.