Omega-3 for baby and me: material development for a WIC intervention to increase DHA intake during pregnancy

The purpose of this project was to develop educational materials for a Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program intervention in Denver, Colorado. Despite accumulating evidence of the importance of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) during pregnancy, there has been no attempt to develop a targeted nutrition intervention to improve birth outcomes among high-risk women. The goal of the Omega-3 for Baby and Me intervention, for which these materials were developed, is to increase the consumption of DHA-rich foods to decrease the risk for premature delivery and low-birth weight babies among this population.

Following collection of data from eight focus groups among the target audience, the principles of the Health Belief Model were used to develop materials to address the needs, barriers, and motivators of this audience. In addition, process evaluation pilot testing was used to evaluate recipes and logos during the material development.

Materials developed for this intervention include a logo, 9-month calendar, stickers, shopping lists, recipes, recipe holder, magnetic clip, nylon pouch, and recruitment materials.

The use of focus groups and pilot testing increased the target audience acceptance of education materials that are being used for the Omega-3 for Baby and Me intervention. Successful outcomes from the Omega-3 for Baby and Me intervention, i.e., decreasing the incidence of preterm birth and low-birth weight, will have implications for supplemental food policies at state and national levels.