Abstract
Objective: To ascertain paraprofessionals’ perceptions regarding a self-directed computer-supported nutrition educational intervention to disadvantaged mothers of infants. Design: Qualitative focus group study. Setting: Three county extension programs in a Midwestern state, which serve disadvantaged families. Method: Sixteen paraprofessional nutrition educators, affiliated with Extended Food and Nutrition Programs (EFNEP), took part in three focus groups led by a facilitator following a semi-structured questioning route. Results: Three themes emerged: (1) paraprofessionals’ perceptions of personal connections with learners; (2) paraprofessionals’ perceptions of lesson plans; and (3) paraprofessionals’ perceptions of self-directed lessons. Conclusions: Data provided exemplars of paraprofessional teaching strategies used with the disadvantaged populations they service, a recommendation to develop a blended curriculum, and insight regarding technology. A preventive nutrition education program, focusing on the reduction of childhood obesity though informed infant feeding practices, can be delivered using a combination of direct contact paraprofessional education and self-directed computer-supported lessons.
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