Outcome Effectiveness of the Widely Adopted EFNEP Curriculum Eating Smart ∙ Being Active

Abstract

ObjectiveTo determine the effectiveness of the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) curriculum Eating Smart ∙ Being Active (ESBA). Design and SettingA quantitative, multi-state, nonequivalent comparison group pretest-posttest design was used to compare nutrition-related behavior changes in participants. ESBA was compared to previously used curricula for 3 different time periods in 5 states using the EFNEP evaluation tool. ParticipantsAdults enrolled in EFNEP who completed their entry and exit paperwork during any of the 3 time points. InterventionAn 8-lesson adult curriculum based on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and MyPlate. AnalysisAnalysis of variance and covariance (with pretests scores and demographic variables as covariates) were used to analyze data with significance at P ≤ .05. ResultsESBA elicited a mean positive behavior change for food resource management (P < .01), food safety (P ≤ .001), nutrition (P < .001), and physical activity level in participating states (P ≤ .01). Compared with previous curricula, ESBA produced better mean outcomes in food resource management, nutrition, physical activity, and intakes of fruit and vegetables. Conclusion and ImplicationsESBA is effective at eliciting positive nutrition-related behavior change. The results of this multi-state, practice-based approach suggest that ESBA is effective in multiple settings and has external validity for use in EFNEP and other community nutrition programs.