Using computer-based assessments to evaluate interactive multimedia nutrition education among low-income predominantly hispanic participants

Objective: This research was conducted to measure the effectiveness of interactive multimedia (IMM) with low-income Hispanic personsDesign: The effectiveness of the program was examined using a quasi-experimental pretest/post-test control group design.Setting: Subjects were recruited from nutrition, health, and English as a Second Language (ESL) programs in Colorado.Participants: Thirty-six intervention and 34 control participants formed a convenience sample of low-income and predominantly Hispanic persons.Intervention: Intervention participants received a 15-minute module about breakfast. Control participants received a non-nutrition-related IMM module.Main Outcome Measures: Primary variables included knowledge, attitude, and stage of change scores.Analysis: Paired and independent sample t tests, chi-square analysis, and repeated-measures analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) were used.Results: Intervention participants significantly increased knowledge, attitude, and total scores (P < .001) between pretest and post-test and had significantly greater increases than the control group (P < .001).Conclusions: The results support using IMM to disseminate nutrition education to the target population and the feasibility of using computer-based questionnaires to evaluate the effectiveness of IMM nutrition education programs.Implications: This research provides the basis for the continued development of computer-based assessment tools.