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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
Cathy E Ludwig Bell, PhD, RD, Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, MC 4317, Carbondale, IL 62901 and K.J. Welshimer, PhD, MSPH, Department of Health Education and Recreation, Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, MC 4632, Carbondale, IL 62901, 618-453-2777, cathbell@siu.edu.
Public health educators are using interactive, computer-based health education programs to reach the public. This presentation describes a protocol evaluating a computer-based program, "STEP Up To Good Health" (STEP that is available on the Internet. STEP is theoretically derived based on the transtheoretical model of change and focuses on fat, fiber, and fruits and vegetables. The evaluation strategy consisted of three components (1) a close-ended survey to assess acceptability and usability (2) an open-ended question to solicit general comments and suggestions, and (3) observations of small groups working through the program. A total of 323 students from an introductory health education course completed the survey and 46 agreed to be observed. Satisfaction was measured related to six different domains (comprehensiveness of information, organizational structure, confidence in making small changes, motivation to consider or make changes, general usefulness, and material relevance of stage-specific information and activities). Mean scores were used to report satisfaction and to assess each domain. Content analysis was used to analyze the written comments and field notes from the observations. Users reported that STEP was a valuable and useful tool for improving one's diet. The degree of satisfaction varied based upon users' stage of change, gender, race, and computer experience. The selected domains were instrumental in organizing the evaluation tool, but still need some refinement. Triangulation of data obtained from the survey, written comments, and classroom observations proved to be an effective method for evaluating a computer based program.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant in this session will be able to
Keywords: Evaluation, Internet
Related Web page: web.aces.uiuc.edu/step/
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.