This project's goal was to promote retention of WIC nutrition personnel by facilitating development of knowledge and skills in community-based nutrition programming using a collaborative, mixed model of distance education strategies. Participants were nutrition personnel working in 3 states and the District of Columbia, who volunteered to participate in a 9-month continuing education program. A cross-jurisdictional team planned, implemented, and evaluated the 5-session program that used one-way video/two-way audio conferencing, local workshops, and assignments. Attainment of program objectives was assessed at baseline, immediately following each session, and at 6-month follow-up. Over 75% of all participants (n=180) completed 5 sessions, which were delivered at 25 sites in the partnering states and with 45 co-facilitators. Most process, impact and outcome objectives were met. The 6-month mailed follow-up survey assessed attitudes about using course skills and intent to remain in WIC and to use these skills. Exploratory principal component analysis based on a 65% response rate extracted 4 components. Intent to use course skills was predicted by Self-Assurance, Environment, and Consequences. These components were not effective in predicting intent to remain employed in WIC, perhaps because respondents had worked in WIC 8 years on average. Positive correlations were determined for WIC Attitudes, Environment and Consequences, and both the course as an incentive to remain in WIC and change in satisfaction with working in WIC. Results demonstrate the program can increase competencies; participants who have a supportive environment and are self-assured in using the skills are more likely to apply them on the job. See www.vahealth.org/WIC/cbnp.htm
Learning Objectives: N/A
Keywords: Nutrition, Distance Education
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.