(P22-034-23) Adapting a Healthy Food Access Adult Consumer Impact Questionnaire for Online Use To Better Reach an Under-Resourced Urban Community

Objectives: In under-resourced urban U.S. communities, like Baltimore, Maryland, accessible healthy foods and beverages tend to be scarce. To address challenges associated with this food system, the Baltimore Urban food Distribution (BUD) trial works at the consumer-, retailer-, and supplier-levels to improve healthy food access. Despite previous ease of in-person data collection in this setting, COVID-19 brought forth hesitancy towards in-person research, evolving time commitments, and increased desire for online accessibility. Here, we document the process for adapting an in-person study protocol to online for greater community reach.

Methods: Prior to COVID-19, we planned to conduct in-person questionnaires with consumers. However, following unsuccessful recruitment attempts, we adapted the questionnaire to capture comparable data in a Qualtrics survey format. The online survey was iteratively tested by relevant experts, research staff, and un-affiliated graduate students. Recruitment scripts were converted into flyers with a QR code and direct link to the survey for a phased approach to posting in (1) participating stores, (2) local community centers, and (3) via social media. Nuanced processes for managing data and compensating respondents were developed to be time-efficient and acceptable.

Results: Testers spent approximately 20 minutes completing the survey (excluding dietary assessment) and reported ease of use. Administrative challenges were anticipated, including difficulties in (1) screening ineligible respondents, (2) ensuring sampling from the target population, and (3) encouraging completeness. Phase 1 of recruitment began in late January 2023. As of late February, we have received 448 survey responses and counting. The issue of respondents attempting to duplicate survey submission for additional compensation arose and required iterative adjustments to our data review process.

Conclusions: Since the COVID-19 outbreak, the ability to complete tasks virtually has become vital. The process described here may serve as a blueprint for the design of future research trials, policies, and programs with careful consideration of the communities being reached, especially those considered particularly vulnerable to shocks and traumas such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Funding Sources: NHLBI, NIH, R34HL145368