Papers, Presentations & Final Reports
Nutrition education and health care priorities identified from diverse low-income focus group participants
Authors: Teresa B. Kaley, RD, LD and Rebecca M. Mullis, PhD, RD, LD
Title: Nutrition education and health care priorities identified from diverse low-income focus group participants
Presented at: The American Public Health Association Annual Conference, Atlanta, GA, 10-22-01
Abstract: The Department of Foods and Nutrition at the University of Georgia conducted ten focus groups in five rural and urban areas of Georgia for the Georgia Cooperative Extension Service Family Nutrition Program (FNP). The primary objective of this work was to improve the health of people living with limited resources by developing client-sensitive food and nutrition education materials in an enjoyable format. Thirty-nine FNP agents participated in four focus groups. Sixty-three low-income community residents (African American, Caucasian, Hispanic, senior citizens, and parents of young children) participated in six focus groups. All participants indicated experiencing struggle for financial survival. Senior citizens face failing health and high health care costs. Younger participants revealed worry about health care costs, maintaining their own health, and keeping their children well.
The following objectives should be primary considerations for future development of health and nutrition education resources with this audience: (1) recognize educational needs stemming from participants' economic, health, and nutrition concerns; (2) incorporate meal planning based on simple, low-cost recipes; (3) provide safe food storage and handling guidelines; (4) promote healthy eating to prevent chronic diseases and control existing diseases; (5) structure learning experiences in group sessions that are fun, interactive, and hands-on; (6) provide attractive food and nutrition print materials in a variety of locations; (7) develop video and audio tape materials to accompany class materials.
These findings will be used to develop a pilot program based on the most frequently identified food and nutrition education needs for low-income families in Georgia.
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