Multiple perspectives on nutrition education needs of low-income Hispanics

As part of a multi-level nutrition intervention for low-income Hispanics (LIH) and the professionals and paraprofessionals who serve them, focus groups were used to 1) identify nutrition education needs and preferred means of receiving nutrition information, 2) identify the LIH's barriers/motivators to dietary behavior change, and 3) assess the feasibility of using abuelas (Hispanic grandmothers) as educators. Nine focus groups were conducted using trained, local bilingual and bicultural moderators. Low-income Hispanics' primary concerns were their children's nutritional habits and ways to prepare quick, nutritious meals and snacks. Their major barriers to dietary change were financial limitations, lack of time, and family customs/habits. Professionals were concerned with the lack of interagency cooperation. Paraprofessionals were most interested in training on how to teach. All audiences preferred to receive nutrition education through classes with hands-on, interactive formats. Professionals and paraprofessionals noted advantages and disadvantages to using abuelas as educators. Including three populations in the needs assessment allowed comparisons of perspectives across groups and allowed the design of nutrition education programs appropriately targeted to these populations.