title: Use of a web site to increase knowledge and awareness of hunger-related issues.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to determine the current level of knowledge and awareness of hunger-related issues among a convenience sample of Delawareans. We also assessed whether raising knowledge and awareness of the hunger problem through the FBD's newly designed web site would encourage participation in antihunger activities. Via e-mail, 1,719 individuals were invited to participate in a three-phase, online survey, and 392 agreed. Phase-I questions were answered prior to viewing the web site, phase II (n=217) immediately afterward, and phase III (n=61) six weeks later. Responses indicated a high level of awareness about general hunger issues but specific knowledge proved to be at a lower level. No statistically significant differences were noted when data were collapsed across gender, age, educational level, or work setting. In a six-week post-survey, 41% of subjects were motivated by the web site to engage in an antihunger activity; 34% had told others about the web site and indicated it may be a useful tool in antihunger outreach efforts for the FBD.
authors.affiliation: USDA, FNS, Alexandria, Virginia, USA.
authors.forename: Sharla
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Jennings
authors.forename: Nancy
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Cotugna
authors.forename: Connie E
authors.initials: CE
authors.lastname: Vickery
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001364:Awareness; D003625:Data Collection; D003691:Delaware; D005260:Female; D005522:Food Services; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D006815:Hunger; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012494:Sampling Studies; D013997:Time Factors; D014481:United States