Evaluation of an Online Training Course for Childcare Providers Participating in the CACFP Infant Feeding Program.

INTRODUCTION: The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) provides reimbursement for meals and snacks offered in participating centers and issues nutrition standards, including guidelines for feeding infants in childcare settings. Offering training to childcare providers participating in the CACFP is necessary to ensure compliance with nutrition standards in childcare settings. METHODS: A State Department of Education and University Extension system collaborated to develop an online nutrition training course for childcare providers. Providers (n = 57) participated in the course on CACFP nutrition standards related to feeding infants (0-12 months of age). Thirty-two of 57 participants completed both pre- and post-training surveys that were used to assess changes in knowledge and confidence concerning infant feeding standards. Paired t-tests and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were conducted to assess differences in survey responses before and after the course. RESULTS: Self-confidence and knowledge of providers related to infant feeding were significantly increased after completion of the training course (p < 0.001). More participants reported their sites were likely to respond to infants showing they were hungry or full than before the course (44.4% vs. 75.7%, respectively). Participant feedback indicated the online asynchronous course was convenient, useful, and topics were relevant to training needs. DISCUSSION: The online course was feasible and effective for providing training on CACFP guidelines for childcare providers. Feedback from participants can be adapted and used for future training programs to further improve the course and delivery methods and efficiently reach a broad audience of childcare providers.

Examining Predictors of Nutritional Risk among Older Adults: A Needs Assessment.

Older adults are the fastest growing population in the United States. This group is at risk for developing chronic diseases resulting from high nutritional risk. The objective of this study was to assess nutritional risks and their key predictors among older adults. In this cross-sectional study, the Dietary Screening Tool, the Nutrition Self-efficacy Scale, food security, perceived health, and sociodemographics were measured. A total of 475, English-speaking adults, 50 years of age or older, residing in Maryland and attending senior congregate sites, participated in the study (urban n = 215, rural n = 260). Results showed 88.8% of participants were classified as being nutritionally 'at risk' or 'possible' risk. Higher education level, higher nutrition self-efficacy, and food security were significant predictors associated with lower nutritional risk among older adults. Implementing suitable and effective nutrition interventions requires assessing diet and identifying the needs specific to older adult populations. Utilizing appropriate screening tools is an important step in improving overall diets and may reduce barriers to adopting healthy eating behaviors in this population.

Food Label Knowledge, Usage and Attitudes of Older Adults.

Few recent studies have investigated food label practices in older adults. This cross-sectional study surveyed adults, 60 years and older in Delaware (n = 100, 82% female, 74% between 60 and 79 years, 49% Caucasian, 45% African Americans) to examine associations between food label knowledge, attitudes, and usage patterns. A 28-item questionnaire assessed knowledge, attitudes, usage, and demographic information. Bivariate analysis results showed food label knowledge was associated with education and monthly income. Those reporting a high school education or less incorrectly identified calorie (P < 0.05) and carbohydrate information (P < 0.03). Monthly income ≤$2000 was associated with incorrectly interpreting carbohydrate information (P < 0.03). Label usage was associated with being female (P < 0.001), having a high school education or less (P < 0.000), being 70 years or older (P < 0.05), and having a monthly income ≤$2000 (P < 0.001). Respondent's usage and perceived label comprehension was high; however less than half could correctly interpret label information. When shown samples of the US Food and Drug Administration's proposed new labels, subjects had a very favorable attitude toward the new changes. Increasing nutrition knowledge through education interventions appropriate for older adult consumers may improve comprehension of information on the food labels.