A Mixed-Methods Approach to Evaluate a Social Media Nutrition Education Program Integrated with Home Food Delivery for Low-Income Pregnant Women.

PurposeTo evaluate the feasibility and potential effects of a nutrition intervention in a private Facebook group and integrated with food delivery for urban low-income pregnant women.DesignOne-group pretest-posttest intervention design.SettingA private Facebook group was utilized to implement nutrition lessons along with home food delivery of cooking ingredients.SampleTwenty-six pregnant women enrolled in the study.InterventionSix weekly nutrition lessons with cooking videos and food delivery were implemented.MeasuresA mixed methods approach was used. Outcomes of the intervention were measured with Family Meal Questions, Food Behavior Checklist, and Perceptions of Meal Planning and Cooking Scale. Qualitative semi-structured interviews were also conducted.AnalysisDescriptive statistics and independent samples t-tests were performed. Interview data were analyzed using thematic codes.ResultsSweetened beverage intake decreased (Δ = -0.5; P = 0.035); using food labels when food shopping increased (Δ = 0.7; P = 0.046); and overall eating habits improved (Δ = 1.6; P = 0.015). Perceptions of "meal planning" and "shopping and cooking" significantly improved (both Δ = 0.5; P < 0.05). Self-reported general health rating significantly improved (Δ = 0.7; P = 0.045). Participants provided positive feedback on the cooking demonstrations, social media format, and dietary behavior changes.ConclusionImplementing nutrition lessons on a private Facebook group was feasible. Further studies are needed to confirm its impact on dietary behaviors and health outcomes among urban low-income pregnant women.