The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #50234

Robert J. Bensely, PhD¹, Karen Bettin², Denise Gearhart², and Nelda Mercer³. (1) Health, Physical Education and Recreation, Western Michigan University, 4024 SRC, Kalamazoo, MI 49008, 616-387-3081, bensley@wmich.edu, (2) WIC Programs, Michigan Department of Community Health, 2150 Apollo Dr., Lansing, MI 48909, (3) WIC Programs, Consultant, Michigan Department of Community Health, 2150 Apollo Dr., Lansing, MI 48909

The increasing access to Internet-based health information has opened the door for new and innovative approaches to learning and health behavior change. One of the greatest benefits to an Internet-based approach to learning and health behavior change centers on the increased ability to create a persuasive communication environment, where end users can engage in a transactional and response-dependent exchange that is tailored to their needs. The need for innovative and theory-driven nutrition education in WIC programs provides a natural fit for a theory-driven Internet-based approach. The purpose of this project was to develop Internet-based learning modules providing nutrition education to participants of the WIC programs located within the Midwest region. In particular, these tailored, response-driven modules are based on specific learning and behavior change theory. Central to this project is the ability for participants to access the application regardless of where they are, as long as they have access to the Internet. This project was a collaborative effort by state WIC programs across the six-state Midwest WIC Region. A four-phase approach (assessment, module development, implementation, evaluation) was used to develop nutrition education modules, based on WIC educational needs and participant interests that are based on Persuasive Communication and the Transtheoretical Stages of Change Model. Evaluation results, including process and the impact on stage of change, attitudes, knowledge, and efficacy, will be concluded during the fall of 2002 and first disseminated at the APHA annual meeting.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify how Internet-based learning can be used to impact maternal and child health issues.
• Explain how an Internet-based approach can be applied to their own programs.
• Compare an Internet-based learning approach with other education methods currently used within their own health-related programs in order to determine whether an Internet-based approach could be used to improve program delivery.
• Discus the relevance of Internet-based education as a mechanism for providing education and behavior change strategies to hard-to-reach populations.
• Explain how Persuasive Communication and the Transtheoretical Stages of Change Model can be applied to Internet-based learning.

Keywords: WIC, Internet

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Funded by Midwest Region WIC programs
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.