Abstract
The paper reports on findings of a study aimed at exploring barriers, perceptions, and motivations influencing engagement among low-income English and Spanish-speaking populations, in virtual community nutrition education, with the goal of informing more effective programming. Theoretically, this study contributes to broader discussions on culturally relevant public health recruitment and retention models. Positioned within the fields of public health nutrition and program evaluation, this study utilized qualitative methods—particularly targeted focus groups—as a tool for quality improvement. In addition to a comprehensive review of literature on recruitment and retention, six focus groups were conducted with Spanish- and English-speaking community health workers, past class participants, and SNAP-Ed (Supplemental Nutrition Assistant Program Education) instructors to collect insights on logistical, cultural, and motivational factors affecting participation. Thematic analysis of focus group data informed specific modifications to current participant recruitment and retention strategies for Create Better Health summer programming, and changes in participant recruitment and retention were observed following implementation. Key outcomes included empirically grounded best practices for recruitment and retention, increased awareness of culturally relevant teaching strategies, and improved alignment between program delivery and participant needs. The intervention described in this presentation demonstrates the value of qualitative inquiry in tailoring public health programming to community needs and suggests that engaging both participants and educators in feedback loops can improve program participation outcomes. Recommendations include applying these methods across similar settings and implementing participant-informed recruitment and retention strategies to affect their engagement in community-based nutrition education.
Presenters
Maria Jose Velasco BurgosAssistant Professor, Home and Community, Utah State University, Utah, United States Celina Wille
College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Office of Diversity and Pluralism and the Legume Innovation Lab, Michigan State University
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Public Health Policies and Practices
KEYWORDS
NUTRTITION EDUCATION, RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION, LOW INCOME, FOCUSED GROUPS, PARTICIPANT
