A video lesson series is effective in changing the dietary intakes and food-related behaviors of low-income homemakers.

OBJECTIVE:
To examine the relative cost-effectiveness of a self-administered video series in delivering nutrition education to low-income homemakers.

DESIGN:
A quasi-experimental design was used, with subjects randomly assigned to traditional lessons (Traditional Group) or video lessons (Video Group).

SUBJECTS/SETTING:
108 subjects were recruited, with 93 nonpregnant, low-income, female homemakers completing the study (response rate = 86%). Subjects had recently enrolled in the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program, or the Food Stamp Nutrition Education Program, and had a videocassette recorder and telephone.

INTERVENTION:
Both groups received 12 lessons from the Eating Right Is Basic Series, 3rd edition, with the Traditional Group being taught in face-to-face sessions and the Video Group receiving self-administered, video-lesson packets.

OUTCOME MEASURES:
Dietary intake and food behaviors were assessed at pre and post intervention with 24-hour recalls and a 14-item checklist.

STATISTICAL ANALYSES:
Chi(2) and t tests were used to compare the groups on demographics and pre-intervention dietary factors. Multiple analysis of variance was used for comparisons of change from pre to post intervention.

RESULTS:
Significant improvements were observed in both groups for fruits, calcium, and vitamins A and C. The Video Group improved on fiber intake (P<or=.005). The groups did not differ on dietary or behavior change (P=.2357). Duplication and implementation costs of the video series totaled 4,820 dollars, or 36% of the traditional lesson cost of 13,463 dollars.

APPLICATIONS:
Both methods achieved similar improvements in diet and behaviors, but the video method was less expensive. The video series seems to be a cost-effective method for delivering nutrition education to low-income homemakers.