title: A randomized controlled trial of a community-based nutrition education program for low-income parents.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Assess effectiveness of the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program on nutrition behaviors post-education and longitudinally.
  
  
  METHODS
  Switching replications randomized experimental design. Participants randomly assigned to immediate education (IE) or delayed education (DE). Participants in IE received intervention the first 8 weeks, and those in DE the second 8 weeks, with no intervention during alternate periods. Data were collected in 3 repeated measures.
  
  
  METHODS
  Parents (n = 168 randomized; n = 134 completed) of children in 2 Head Start and 6 low-income schools.
  
  
  METHODS
  Eight weekly workshops, based on Eating Right is Basic-Enhanced adapted to incorporate dialogue approach with experiential learning.
  
  
  METHODS
  Ten-item self-reported behavior checklist on nutrition, food resource management, food safety, and food security; responses on a 5-point scale reporting frequency of behavior.
  
  
  METHODS
  Chi-square, analysis of variance, and multiple regression.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Groups were demographically similar. Both groups reported improved behaviors pre- to post-education (P < .05). There was no significant difference between groups at Time 1 (T1) or DE control period (T1 vs T2). Changed IE behavior was retained T2 to T3. A multiple regression model of overall change, controlling for T1 score and educator, showed significant improvement (n = 134, β = 5.72, P < .001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Positive outcomes were supported by this experimental study in a usual program context, with reported behavior changes retained at least 2 months.
authors.affiliation: Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY. Electronic address: jsd13@cornell.edu.
authors.forename: Jamie S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Dollahite
authors.affiliation: Child Nutrition Division, USDA Food and Nutrition Service, Alexandria, VA.
authors.forename: Erika I
authors.initials: EI
authors.lastname: Pijai
authors.affiliation: Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY.
authors.forename: Michelle
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Scott-Pierce
authors.affiliation: Cornell Cooperative Extension, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY.
authors.forename: Carol
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Parker
authors.affiliation: Department of Policy, Analysis, and Management, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY.
authors.forename: William
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Trochim
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D003153:Community Health Services / Q000379:methods*; D004032:Diet; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009752:Nutritional Status; D011203:Poverty; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: EFNEP; Head Start; longitudinal behavior change; low income; parents; randomized controlled trial