Background
Georgia's maternal mortality rates are 60% higher for African American women compared to all racial/ethnic groups. There is also evidence that father involvement in prenatal maternal health initiatives may positively influence health outcomes. Nutrition education during pregnancy may also promote positive nutrition outcomes.
Objective
A primary goal of Project DINE (Dads in Nutrition Education) is to improve maternal nutritional outcomes and to increase father involvement through family participation in UGA (the University of Georgia) EFNEP (Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program), an evidence-based community nutrition program.
Study Design, Setting, Participants
Participants were recruited by Morehouse School of Medicine and community partners, and were divided into two groups: single moms and expectant couples with father/male involvement. Inclusion criteria were African American pregnant women or men expecting a baby and Healthy Start program participants. UGA EFNEP provided an eight-week virtual nutrition education program in both metro and rural counties.
Measurable Outcome/Analysis
Data analyses were completed via WebNEERs, the centralized database for NIFA EFNEP at the federal level. Overall diet quality indicators (i.e., fruit/vegetable intake, sweet beverage intake, dinner at home) were measured pre/post analysis of the validated and federally mandated survey.
Results
Twenty single moms (SM) and 6 couples (C) (n = 32) graduated from Project DINE EFNEP (FY21). Overall diet quality improved in 97% of all graduates. When comparing groups, overall diet quality improved in 100% graduate couples vs. 95% (SM), including increased vegetable intake (54% couples vs. 40% SM)
Conclusions
Preliminary data indicate that UGA EFNEP as a nutrition intervention for pregnant women improves overall diet quality, including fruit and vegetable intake. Father involvement in nutrition education may provide an additional benefit to improving overall diet quality for their pregnant partners.
Funding
Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program
SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Supplementary data related to this article can be found at https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jneb.2022.04.057.
Appendix. SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
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Copyright
© 2022 Published by Elsevier Inc.
