Evaluation of computer-based diet education in persons with diabetes mellitus and limited educational background

A study was conducted to determine whether computer-based techniques for meal planning and diet education could be an effective supplement to diabetes diet counseling in a group of inner-city subjects with limited educational background. Sixteen individuals with diabetes mellitus who were newly referred to an inner-city outpatient diet clinic and who demonstrated ninth-grade reading ability were given computer-based nutritional education. They received meal planning information through use of individualized computer-planned menus and education about the diabetes diet by computer-assisted instruction (CAI) combined with an interactive videodisc system (VIDEO). Total contact time was 180 min of CAI/VIDEO, 50 min of dietitian/patient education, and 20 min of dietitian/patient computer time (the last function could have been performed by a clerk). At the end of 4 wk, the group performance was improved in Exchange Lists knowledge (P less than 0.001), recognition of foods containing concentrated carbohydrate (P less than 0.05), and reduction of reported fat intake (P less than 0.05). In addition, average group weight declined by 4.6 lb (P less than 0.005). No improvement was found in food-measuring skills or in calorie-consumption compliance during a standardized buffet lunch. It appears that computer-based techniques are an acceptable supplement to traditional methods of education in this patient group and can improve the effectiveness of diabetes education programs without a significant increase in dietitian time.