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Publication Date
8-2019
Date of Final Oral Examination (Defense)
10-16-2018
Type of Culminating Activity
Thesis - Boise State University Access Only
Degree Title
Master of Science in Health Science, Health Policy
Department
Community and Environmental Health
Supervisory Committee Chair
Sarah Toevs, Ph.D.
Supervisory Committee Member
Ellen Schafer, Ph.D.
Supervisory Committee Member
Caile E. Spear, Ph.D.
Abstract
Over the last several years, Idaho has seen a decrease in WIC participation (USDA, 2018). In an attempt to improve WIC participation rates, the Idaho WIC program is attempting to diversify educational components and implement a pilot of WICSmart (an online education tool) in three of seven public health districts. The goal of this study was to conduct a process evaluation using the RE-AIM Implementation framework to determine if: (1) eligible WIC participants found WICSmart to be an appealing option for their nutrition education, and (2) to assess the implementation of the WICSmart program in the participating health districts (Glasgow, Vogt & Boles, 1999).
Quantitative and qualitative information for this study was collected from 38 members of the WIC staff in three Idaho health districts using a survey, personnel response sheet, and WIC participant tracking form. The study was conducted from June 4-July 31, 2018. The participants, WIC personnel, were primarily Caucasian females between the ages 18-65 years with an undergraduate college education. WIC staff provided 335 responses on client impressions of the WICSmart program.
WIC clients were interested in WICSmart because it is more convenient than in-person education. Nearly 13% of clients still expressed an interest for in-person appointments for a variety of reasons. WIC staff reported a relatively seamless implementation and provided constructive feedback on how to improve implementation in other health districts and help all clients use WICSmart. The results show that WICSmart is a viable option for diversifying the WIC education program, and potentially appealing to more clients because of the improve convenience. The research provided key information on how the Idaho WIC program can support WICSmart participation and decrease confusion when eligible clients first learn about WICSmart. The findings from this study also may inform efforts to boost enrollment and participation in WIC among those who are eligible.
DOI
10.18122/td/1595/boisestate
Recommended Citation
Pickering, Alexis, "Idaho WICSmart: Process and Implementation Evaluation" (2019). Boise State University Theses and Dissertations. 1595.
10.18122/td/1595/boisestate