Susan Martin Gould1, Jennifer Anderson. 1. Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523-1571, USA.
Abstract
CONTEXT: Interactive multimedia (IMM) provides a means to deliver accurate, consistent, and convenient nutrition education. OBJECTIVE: To compare direct costs of bilingual IMM and peer nutrition education methods. DESIGN: Cost per unit of nutrition education for each delivery method was calculated. SETTING: Touch-screen computer kiosk systems in food assistance programs. PARTICIPANTS: Approximately 727 low-income and Hispanic persons. INTERVENTION: Bilingual IMM and nutrition education classes taught by peer educators. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Cost per unit of nutrition education delivered. ANALYSIS: Descriptive: to compare costs and determine break-even points. RESULTS: Initially, costs for both methods dropped and then nearly leveled for the peer method at a break-even point of 633 units, whereas those for IMM continued to decrease. CONCLUSIONS: Interactive multimedia is a cost-effective method of delivering nutrition education, especially to large numbers of people. IMPLICATIONS: Use of this technology could reach additional low-income persons at decreasing costs.
CONTEXT: Interactive multimedia (IMM) provides a means to deliver accurate, consistent, and convenient nutrition education. OBJECTIVE: To compare direct costs of bilingual IMM and peer nutrition education methods. DESIGN: Cost per unit of nutrition education for each delivery method was calculated. SETTING: Touch-screen computer kiosk systems in food assistance programs. PARTICIPANTS: Approximately 727 low-income and Hispanic persons. INTERVENTION: Bilingual IMM and nutrition education classes taught by peer educators. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Cost per unit of nutrition education delivered. ANALYSIS: Descriptive: to compare costs and determine break-even points. RESULTS: Initially, costs for both methods dropped and then nearly leveled for the peer method at a break-even point of 633 units, whereas those for IMM continued to decrease. CONCLUSIONS: Interactive multimedia is a cost-effective method of delivering nutrition education, especially to large numbers of people. IMPLICATIONS: Use of this technology could reach additional low-income persons at decreasing costs.