Lessons learned: Development and evaluation of an interactive computer food safety education program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program clients, Miami, Florida

Background: The Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program serves pregnant women, infants and young children, populations which are particularly at risk of severe foodborne illnesses. We sought to develop and evaluate a food safety education program using interactive multimedia for use in a WIC clinic.

Methods: The curriculum and software program were developed using information gained from focus groups and a survey conducted among WIC clients, and the software was installed in a computer kiosk in the clinic. The effectiveness of the program was tested using a randomized control trial comparing changes in food handling practices between women randomized to receiving the interactive multimedia program and women who received the same information from pamphlets.

Results: Between May and September 2006, 402 women were enrolled in the randomized controlled trial, including 182 women who completed the program and a satisfaction survey. Data collection is ongoing, but preliminary data indicate that satisfaction with the computer program was high. For example, 94% and 86% reported that they agreed or strongly agreed with the statements, "I enjoyed using the computer kiosk" and "I prefer using the computer kiosk to reading pamphlets" respectively. Ninety-two percent and 97% agreed or strongly agreed with the statement, "I would like to learn about other health and nutrition topics this way" and "It was easy to use the computer kiosk" respectively. The discussion will include a demonstration of the software program.

Conclusion: Food safety education by means of interactive multimedia was well accepted by clients in a WIC clinic.