Using computer-based assessments to evaluate interactive multimedia nutrition education among low-income predominantly Hispanic participants.
OBJECTIVE
This research was conducted to measure the effectiveness of interactive multimedia (IMM) with low-income Hispanic persons.


METHODS
The effectiveness of the program was examined using a quasi-experimental pretest/post-test control group design.


METHODS
Subjects were recruited from nutrition, health, and English as a Second Language (ESL) programs in Colorado.


METHODS
Thirty-six intervention and 34 control participants formed a convenience sample of low-income and predominantly Hispanic persons.


METHODS
Intervention participants received a 15-minute module about breakfast. Control participants received a non- nutrition-related IMM module.


METHODS
Primary variables included knowledge, attitude, and stage of change scores.


METHODS
Paired and independent sample t tests, chi-square analysis, and repeated-measures analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) were used.


RESULTS
Intervention participants significantly increased knowledge, attitude, and total scores (P <.001) between pretest and post-test and had significantly greater increases than the control group (P <.001).


CONCLUSIONS
The results support using IMM to disseminate nutrition education to the target population and the feasibility of using computer-based questionnaires to evaluate the effectiveness of IMM nutrition education programs.


CONCLUSIONS
This research provides the basis for the continued development of computer-based assessment tools.
Jantz
Cammy
C
Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523-1571, USA.
Anderson
Jennifer
J
Gould
Susan Martin
SM
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D003201:Computers; D005260:Female; D006630:Hispanic or Latino / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019212:Multimedia; D052756:Nutritional Sciences / Q000193:education*; D011203:Poverty; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires