ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To assess the impacts associated with a grocery store tour point-of-purchase intervention using podcasts about omega-3 fatty acid (n-3)-rich food items. DESIGN: A repeated-measures secondary data analysis of food purchase records obtained from a convenience sample of shoppers' loyalty cards. PARTICIPANTS: Shoppers (n = 251) who had listened to podcasts regarding n-3-rich foods while shopping. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): The number of omega-3-rich food purchases made according to food or food category by participants determined via spreadsheets obtained from grocery store chain. ANALYSIS: Descriptive statistics were performed on demographic characteristics. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used to assess whether food purchases increased from 6 months before to 6 months after intervention. Correlations assessed the relationship between intentions to purchase n-3-rich foods expressed on the intervention day with actual long-term n-3-rich food purchases. Nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis ANOVAs and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used to analyze differences between changes made and demographic variables (ie, participants' gender, race, and education levels). RESULTS: Most shoppers (59%) increased n-3-rich food purchases, with significant mean purchase changes (t[172] = -6.9; P < .001; pre = 0.2 ± 0.7; post = 3.6 ± 5.1). CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Podcasts are promising nutrition education tools. Longer studies could assess whether lasting change results from podcast use.
Subject(s)
Choice Behavior , Diet/statistics & numerical data , Fatty Acids, Omega-3 , Health Education/methods , Webcasts as Topic , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Female , Food Supply , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Smartphone , Young AdultABSTRACT
Public Health Solutions' (PHS) Neighborhood WIC (The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children) serves approximately 43,000 women and families at eight locations in high-need communities in New York City. Farmers' markets (FMs) exist in many low-income areas, and, coupled with incentives and benefits, are viable venues for WIC participants to purchase affordable produce. During the 2015 FM season (July-November), PHS launched a campaign to change participants' knowledge, attitudes, and shopping habits at FMs. WIC center staff were provided with educational materials, were trained to educate participants on FM locations and how to use their benefits at FMs, and provided tours for participants at nearby markets. To assess changes in knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors, staff administered surveys to 404 matched participants before and after the initiative. For all variables below, McNemar's test was conducted and demonstrated statistically significant increases from pre-season to post-season (p < 0.001 for all variables). After the initiative compared to before, a higher percentage of participants had heard of FM Nutrition Program (FMNP) checks (51% pre-74% post) and of Health Bucks (13-24%). Additionally, a higher percentage knew that WIC checks can be used at FMs (38-53%), knew that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP/EBT) can be used at FMs (20-32%), had shopped at a FM (58-75%), and had used their FMNP checks at a FM (48-66%). These results suggest that promoting the use of WIC and SNAP benefits at FMs resulted in positive change.
Subject(s)
Food Assistance , Food Supply/methods , Health Education/methods , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Health Promotion/methods , Adolescent , Adult , Farmers , Female , Fruit , Humans , Inservice Training , Middle Aged , New York City , Poverty Areas , Program Evaluation , Vegetables , Young AdultABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: To determine whether listening to a podcast about omega-3 fatty acids (n-3s) while grocery shopping increased shoppers' awareness about and purchases of seafood and other foods rich in n-3s. METHODS: Repeated-measures design with a convenience sample (n = 56) of grocery shoppers who listened to the podcast while shopping. Pre- and postintervention semistructured interviews were conducted. The Theory of Reasoned Action was the study's framework. RESULTS: Shoppers were primarily females (mean age, 41 ± 15.3 years). Their perceived ability to buy [t(55) = 6.27, P < .0001] and perceived importance regarding buying [t(55) = 3.38, P < .01] n-3-rich foods improved significantly. At least 1 n-3 rich food (mean, 1.5 ± 0.8) was purchased by 30%, and 79% planned future purchases. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS: Podcasts may effectively communicate nutrition information. More research with a larger sample size is needed to evaluate the effects of the podcast on long-term changes in shopping behavior.
