The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #52216

Diana E.H. Birkett, BA, School of Public Health, Nutritional Sciences Program, University of Washington, 826 NE 59th St, Seattle, WA 98105, 206-529-1467, dbirkett@u.washington.edu

The past few years have seen an expansion in public health programs with a behavioral focus, responding to growing rates of chronic disease in the United States. To help Washington State WIC move to the forefront of this trend, this study seeks to understand the motivators and barriers to change that affect WIC clients in Washington State, and to explore effective ways of promoting nutrition and physical activity. Six focus groups in diverse settings around Washington, involving a total of 41 WIC participants, were conducted in February and March 2001. Discussions focused on issues of parenting, family meals, food preparation, and physical activity. Transcripts were coded using the NUD*IST computer software, and codes were assessed for frequency and intensity. Key barriers to change in these areas are inadequate parenting skills, lack of knowledge, unhealthy social environments, lack of time, and lack of support. Key motivators are a sense of responsibility, concern for health, positive supportive influences, and concerns about child development. Suggested routes of communication were support groups for moms, facilitated discussions, and cooking classes. Many participants cited the Internet as an effective channel for disseminating information. Clients preferred nutrition education that was interactive, supportive, and client-centered. Focus groups were useful to gather information for the development of client-centered health promotion materials. These results provided the foundation for the content, context, and format of the “Healthy Habits” nutrition education modules implemented in Washington State WIC.

Learning Objectives:

• List five motivators for and five barriers to health behavior change that apply to the Washington WIC client population.
• List three methods for and five general characteristics of nutrition education preferred by clients in Washington State WIC.
• Recognize the benefits of using focus groups to develop client-centered health promotion materials.

Keywords: Health Behavior, Nutrition

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: WIC Program
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Graduate Student Research Assistant on USDA-funded Grant