Pilot Study for Assessing Moderate to Long‐Term Outcomes of the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP)

Abstract

Objectivesdetermine (1) the best communication channel for contacting EFNEP adult graduates; (2) moderate to long‐term (6 or 12 month) self‐reported behavior data; and (3) graduates willingness to provide objective data (BMI, blood pressure).MethodsGraduates were randomly assigned to be contacted by traditional mail, email, text, or phone call. Upon contact, graduates completed EFNEP's standard behavior checklist as they had completed at pre and post intervention – via web link, pencil and paper, or phone interview, and indicated willingness to provide objective data.ResultsResponse rates by communications channel ranged from 4 to 32%; phone call or text from the educator were above 30%. At 6 or 12 months post‐graduation, the score on the 3 behavior checklist scales (nutrition, food resource management, food safety) were all significantly better than the pretest and equal to the posttest scores, suggesting that positive dietary changes were maintained. Respondents “might” or “would” allow collection of BMI (70%), blood pressure (70%), finger prick (55%) or urine sample (60%).ConclusionsThis pilot study provides initial evidence that behavior changes reported at the end of EFNEP interventions are maintained at 6 or 12 months. Graduates willingness to provide objective data will enable EFNEP to strengthen outcome measures and confirm self‐report data to build the evidence base for the program. Using educators who have a relationship with graduates appears to offer the best way to recruit them.Support or Funding InformationUnited States Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture Regional Nutrition Education Centers of Excellence Initiative