Focus‐group evaluation of nutrition education displays by Hispanic adults who live in the USA

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the acceptability and effectiveness of visual displays of nutrition educational information for low‐income Hispanic adults in the USA and to determine whether this population have different perceptions of the same nutrition education displays or express different needs than low‐income Caucasian adults. Visual displays include information on calcium, folic acid, and fruits and vegetables.

Design/methodology/approach

Six 90‐minute focus groups are conducted with 47 Spanish‐speaking Hispanic adults living in the USA for less than one year.

Findings

The results indicate that displays of nutrition information are an effective means to present information to low‐income Hispanics and to teach basic nutritional concepts. Participants are excited about receiving the information and using it for their families' benefit. Positive key characteristics of the displays are: pictures, bright colours, simplicity, text's characteristics, information relevance, and accompanying handouts.

Practical implications

The results show that displays of nutrition information such as the ones included in the study are effective means to present such information to low‐income Hispanics participating in food assistance programs. Although several changes are needed to make the displays more effective, the general format is well received, and participants' interest is stimulated enough that they request more information on nutrition. Participants want usable nutrition information and see it as a means to improve the health of their families.

Originality/value

These data suggest a need for interventions with respect to information about nutrition, particularly in low‐income demographics where knowledge may be minimal, and the need for effective use of available food resources is quite high.

Citation

Chambers, D.H. and Muñoz, A.M. (2009), "Focus‐group evaluation of nutrition education displays by Hispanic adults who live in the USA", Health Education, Vol. 109 No. 5, pp. 439-450. https://doi.org/10.1108/09654280910984843