Abstract
To explore the feasibility of guided goal setting (GGS) delivered via a tele-nutrition intervention in a Rural Native American community.
Based on the social cognitive and goal setting theories, GGS, was designed as an alternative to self-set and prescribed goals and gives choices from a collection of tailored goals suitable for group education.
Native American caregivers of young children living in remote rural communities.
The Healthy Kids tele-nutrition intervention consisted of 6-weekly sessions delivered remotely by an EFENP educator. Eating Smart Being Active curriculum was augmented with GGS, food-related parenting, storytelling, and My Healthy Plate to target child malnutrition prevention.
Acceptability of the goal setting strategy and tele-nutrition delivery were explored via participant survey after each session. Process evaluation data was collected on participant shared goal content. Focus groups were conducted at the last session.
Two intervention series were conducted. Thirty-three participants registered for the intervention with 23 attending 4 or more sessions. Participants actively engaged in the GGS procedure by choosing goals, tracking progress, and engaging in session activities. Parents shared weekly goals during class discussions which included those from the tailored list, intervention topics, or personally relevant (ie, turn off TV at dinner, add fruit to water, take nature hikes). Post-session surveys revealed that 95% reported GGS was useful. Additionally, during focus group interviews, participants described liking goal setting, particularly the goal options, weekly tracking, and that it was motivating. A majority of participants (93%) indicated that they agree that the tele-nutrition modality was effective. In the focus group interviews, it was shared that the virtual classes were a valued opportunity but prefer face-to-face.
Participants in this study actively engaged in GGS delivered via tele-nutrition and routinely challenged themselves by selecting or creating new weekly goals. Further research should include exploration of optimizing the GGS strategy specifically for this community and modality.
NIFA