Abstract
Objective
Use of implementation science strategies to promote fidelity in the Food, Feeding, and Your Family study.
Design
Cluster randomized controlled trial with 3 conditions: control, in-class, or online,
delivered in English or Spanish. Observations of 20% of classes.
Setting
Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) in 2 states.
Participants
EFNEP peer educators (n = 11).
Intervention
Parental feeding content incorporated into EFNEP lessons (in-class) or through text
with links to videos/activities (online). Extensive educator training, scripted curriculum,
frequent feedback.
Analysis
Assessment of fidelity compliance. Qualitative analysis of verbatim educator interviews
and classroom observer comments.
Results
During 128 class observations (40–45 per condition), peer educators followed scripted
lesson plan 78% to 89% of the time. There was no evidence of cross-contamination of
parental feeding content in control and only minor sharing in online conditions. Variations
with fidelity were primarily tied to the EFNEP curriculum, not the parent feeding
content. Educators (n = 7) expressed favorable opinions about the Food, Feeding, and Your Family study, thought it provided valuable information, and appreciated support from EFNEP
leadership.
Conclusions and Implications
Incorporating implementation science strategies can help ensure successful adherence
to research protocols. With proper training and support, EFNEP peer educators can
deliver an evidence-based curriculum as part of a complex research study.
Key Words
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: July 21, 2021
Accepted:
June 1,
2021
Footnotes
Conflict of Interest Disclosure: The authors have not stated any conflicts of interest.
Identification
Copyright
© 2021 Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
