Premium
A Pilot Study of Paraprofessional Peer Teaching by Teen Moms in A Teen Parenting Nutrition Education Program
Author(s) -
Wong Siew Sun,
Keller Sylvia D
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.24.1_supplement.940.10
Subject(s) - physical activity , nutrition education , medicine , psychology , peer group , gerontology , medical education , clinical psychology , developmental psychology , physical therapy
Objective Measure the effectiveness of a peer‐teaching‐peer paraprofessional model (PTPPM) in a teen parenting nutrition program. Methods Two teen moms were trained as paraprofessional peer educators (PPE) for The CARE42 program in two sites. Site 1 consisted of predominantly non‐Hispanic White females whereas Site 2, predominantly Hispanic females. Each PPE taught 10–13 participants (aged 14 to 19, single, non‐pregnant females) per site over three weeks. Each lesson was 30 minutes. An RD attended every lesson, evaluated teaching, and facilitated in Q&A. For evaluation among PPE and participants, the study used pre/post tests to assess improvements in nutrition knowledge, diet, physical activity, behavior, and self‐esteem (NK‐D‐PA‐SE). Results PPE improved significantly in diet, physical activity, behavior, and self‐esteem. Although not significantly different, PPE's teaching accuracy score was high and improved consistently. Among 28 recruited participants, 23 completed the study. Both sites had significant improvement in NK‐D‐PA‐SE. These positive changes indicated that PPE were able to teach their peers effectively. 83% of participants liked or very much liked to be taught by their peers. Conclusions Teen moms aged 18–22 are capable of teaching their peers accurate nutrition information. This PTPPM has great potential in bringing sound nutrition education to teen parents in a motivating way.