(P22-006-23) Development and Evaluation of a Culturally Tailored Nutrition Education Program Targeting Fish Consumption Among Hispanic/Latino Adults: Rationale and Study Protocol

Objectives: The US Dietary Guidelines recommend including fish as part of a healthy dietary pattern. However, there is a lack of SNAP-Ed (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education) and EFNEP (Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program) curricula that address fish consumption. Fish is a lean and nutrient-rich protein source associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and dementia. These health conditions are experienced by a high proportion of Hispanic/Latino adults and among people living in resource-limited communities. This project aims to develop and evaluate a culturally tailored online nutrition education program to increase fish consumption among SNAP-eligible Hispanic/Latino adults residing in the Northeastern coastal state of New Hampshire (NH).

Methods: This project is in partnership with UNH Cooperative Extension, a SNAP-Ed and EFNEP implementing agency. Focus groups will be used to contextualize the barriers and facilitators of fish consumption. Within the communities where our participants reside, we will conduct surveys of food outlets to document the availability of fresh, frozen, canned, and preserved fish products. The formative research will inform the development of a multi-lesson online nutrition education curriculum. Novel narrative messaging (e.g., video testimonials from community members) will be incorporated. Evaluation of the education will be done using a pre and post-test study design, with follow-up visits occurring within a week and a month after the intervention. Outcomes include fish intake and fish-eating self-efficacy, attitudes, and behavioral capacity. In addition, exit focus groups are planned to identify areas for improvement. All activities will be conducted in Spanish and led by a trained bicultural nutrition educator.

Results: N/A

Conclusions: Completing this project will provide new knowledge on the barriers and facilitators to fish consumption experienced by Northeastern Hispanic/Latino adult residents and the potential impacts of a novel culturally tailored online nutrition education program on fish consumption behaviors.

Funding Sources: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and NH Sea Grant