Pelican, Suzanne (author), van den Heede, Fred A. (author), and van den Heede: Center for Academic Development, College of Santa Fe, Santa Fe, NM; Pelican: Nutrition and Dietetics Training Program, Indian Health Service, Santa Fe, NM
Format:
Conference paper
Publication Date:
1994
Published:
USA
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 97 Document Number: C07905
Notes:
James F. Evans Collection, Ham, Mimeographed, 1994. 1 p. Presented at the Society for Nutrition Education, Portland, OR, July 16-20, 1994., Although marketing offers nutrition educators a number of useful tools and techniques (e.g., market segmentation and focus groups) for reaching audiences more effectively, we shouldn't limit our goals to those of marketing. The ultimate goal of education is different than that of marketing. Education seeks to build a context or a framework into which learners can "fit" new information. In contrast, marketing seeks to sell something to consumers. Even social marketing -- which promotes healthy behaviors -- seeks to "sell" those behaviors, not to educate learners to become independent decision-makers. Of course, most nutrition educators want to influence people's behavior, but don't we also want to challenge learners to think autonomously? Admittedly, education at this level may seem difficult or impossible in some settings. However, if nutrition education is to play an important role in achieving health objectives in the year 2000 and beyond, we mst ask whether our ultimate goal should be to "sell" behaviors to consumers or to teach citizens how to evaluate information so they can behave according to their own judgments.
Byrnes, Francis C. (author / Program Officer, International Agricultural Development Service, New York)
Format:
Conference paper
Publication Date:
1980
Published:
USA
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 98 Document Number: C08141
Notes:
Theodore Hutchcroft Collection, Mimeographed, 1980. 24 p. (Paper presented at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, April 1-3, 1980.)
Chan, Mimi W. (author), Chapman, Karen M. (author), and Foods and Nutrition, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL
Format:
Conference paper
Publication Date:
1994
Published:
USA
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 97 Document Number: C07903
Notes:
James F. Evans Collection, Ham, Mimeographed, 1994. 1 p. Presented at the Society for Nutrition Education, Portland, OR, July 16-20, 1994., Because attitudes about a topic can diminish the effectiveness of informational materials, previously identified attitudes concerning calcium intake were explored through focus group interviews. The purpose of this study was to clarify women's attitudes and behaviors toward calcium-related topics and nutrition education materials. Participants were recruited through Cooperative Extension Service, a church group, and the University of Illinois. Although four focus groups of 6-7 participants were planned, each group consisted of 2-6 women. All focus groups followed the same format, lasting for 1 to 1 1/2 hours; questions progressed from the general to more specific. Preliminary questions were directed at determining women's attitudes, interest, behavior, knowledge, and lifestyle. As the focus group interviews progressed, questions became more specific in assessing the nutrition education materials for readability, attractiveness, usefulness, age-appropriateness, and validity. Discussions also included whether dietary behavior change occurred as a result of educational materials, motivation to take materials home, and general use of materials. The focus group format allowed for in-depth discussions on the topics and provided rationale based on age and background knowledge. Motivating factors included prior interest in the topic and length of the materials. Many women mentioned that their busy lifestyles restricted them from reading long brochures. Younger women tended to underestimate the older women's ability to read smaller print size. Most importantly, neither younger nor older women felt that osteoporosis was a problem that their age group needed to address. Lastly, knowledge level of the general public was overestimated by one focus group comprised of graduate students. This study emphasized that women's attitudes about calcium intake and osteoporosis need to be addressed if nutrition education materials are to be effective.
Hartman, Terryl (author), Kushi, Lawrence H. (author), McCarthy, Pamela (author), Schuster, Ellen (author), and Division of Epidemiology, University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Minneapolis, MN
Format:
Conference paper
Publication Date:
1994
Published:
USA
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 97 Document Number: C07889
Notes:
James F. Evans Collection, Ham, Mimeographed, 1994. 1 p. Presented at the Society for Nutrition Education, Portland, OR, July 16-20, 1994., The more educated, higher income segment of the US population has experienced a marked decline in cardiovascular disease (CVD) rates. This decline has been more limited for those with a lower socioeconomic status, lower occupational status, lower educational attainment, or those who are members of disadvantaged minority groups. One of the reasons for this difference may be the need for appropriate educational materials or programs for CVD prevention for these segments of the population. A project to develop and evaluate a nutrition education program for women with limited literacy skills is aimed at addressing his need. We conducted 18 focus groups with the target population to determine their interests and needs. From their responses, we developed the "Help Yourself to Health" program, an innovative 9-session program that delivers simple, practical, and relevant behavioral nutritional messages in fun and entertaining ways. Sessions feature attention-getting activities and unique incentives like measuring spoons, magnets, and cookbooks. All sessions are pamphlet-free. The program is currently being evaluated in three urban Minnesota counties with the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program. Since the mean literacy level in the U.S. is at or below the eighth grade reading level, nutritionists working with clients in any area will find the philosophy, activities, and materials of this program thought-provoking and useful.
