ARS | Publication request: Feasibility of an 8-week African American Web-based Pilot Program Promoting Healthy Eating Behaviors: Family Eats

Submitted to: American Journal of Health Behavior
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: May 1, 2007
Publication Date: January 1, 2008
Citation: Cullen, K.W., Thompson, D. 2008. Feasibility of an 8-week African American web-based pilot program promoting healthy eating Behaviors: Family Eats. American Journal of Health Behavior. 32(1):40-51.

Interpretive Summary: The objective of this study was to assess whether participants logged on to a web-based nutrition intervention for African American families, and whether there was any change in mediating variables. A parent and 9- to 12-year-old daughter completed questionnaires measuring dietary change mediating variables. The parent completed an 8-session web-based program on healthy eating. Overall log-on rate was 59%. Significant positive changes were noted in mother-reported menu planning, self-efficacy, fruit/vegetable availability self-efficacy, modifying meat-fat practices, substitution fat practices, and healthy restaurant selection, and daughter-reported parent modeling of eating fruit and vegetables. An Internet-delivered nutrition intervention for families was successful in achieving change in some mediating variables, with modest log-on rates. Future research should investigate impact on dietary behaviors.

Technical Abstract: To assess log-on rates and change in mediating variables achieved from a web-based nutrition intervention for African American families, a parent and 9- to 12-year-old daughter (n=67 families) completed questionnaires measuring dietary change mediating variables. Overall log-on rate was 59%. Significant positive changes were noted in mother-reported menu planning, self-efficacy, fruit/vegetable availability self-efficacy, modifying meat-fat practices, substitution fat practices, and healthy restaurant selection, and daughter-reported parent modeling of eating fruit and vegetables. An Internet-delivered nutrition intervention for families was successful in achieving change in some mediating variables, with modest log-on rates. Future research should investigate impact on dietary behaviors.