A video lesson series is effective in changing the dietary intakes and food-related behaviors of low-income homemakers.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the relative cost-effectiveness of a self-administered video series in delivering nutrition education to low-income homemakers.


METHODS
A quasi-experimental design was used, with subjects randomly assigned to traditional lessons (Traditional Group) or video lessons (Video Group).


METHODS
108 subjects were recruited, with 93 nonpregnant, low-income, female homemakers completing the study (response rate = 86%). Subjects had recently enrolled in the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program, or the Food Stamp Nutrition Education Program, and had a videocassette recorder and telephone.


METHODS
Both groups received 12 lessons from the Eating Right Is Basic Series, 3rd edition, with the Traditional Group being taught in face-to-face sessions and the Video Group receiving self-administered, video-lesson packets.


METHODS
Dietary intake and food behaviors were assessed at pre and post intervention with 24-hour recalls and a 14-item checklist.


METHODS
Chi(2) and t tests were used to compare the groups on demographics and pre-intervention dietary factors. Multiple analysis of variance was used for comparisons of change from pre to post intervention.


RESULTS
Significant improvements were observed in both groups for fruits, calcium, and vitamins A and C. The Video Group improved on fiber intake (P<or=.005). The groups did not differ on dietary or behavior change (P=.2357). Duplication and implementation costs of the video series totaled 4,820 dollars, or 36% of the traditional lesson cost of 13,463 dollars.


CONCLUSIONS
Both methods achieved similar improvements in diet and behaviors, but the video method was less expensive. The video series seems to be a cost-effective method for delivering nutrition education to low-income homemakers.
Department of Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise, Virginia Polytechnic Institute, State University, Blacksburg 24061, USA. rubycox@vt.edu
Ruby H
RH
Cox
Alicie H
AH
White
Clark K
CK
Gaylord
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D005522:Food Services; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011939:Mental Recall; D008875:Middle Aged; D052756:Nutritional Sciences / Q000193:education*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011203:Poverty; D015397:Program Evaluation; D013663:Teaching / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods*; D014741:Video Recording / Q000191:economics