RSS 1.0Nutrition and Dietetics Master's Projects
Recent Submissions
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Assessing The Effectiveness of Using Nutrition Intervention Utilizing Behavior Change Techniques (BCT) on Nutrition Knowledge and Confidence Levels Among Older AdultsObjective: To evaluate the effectiveness of the nutrition intervention design using behavior change techniques (BCT) on nutrition knowledge and confidence levels among older adults. Design: Quasi-experimental. Methods: Nutrition knowledge and confidence levels were evaluated using a pre- and post-test. Final scores were compared using sample t-tests and the IBM SPSS statistical software. Setting: Congregate meal site in Ilion, NY. Participants: 6 individuals agreed to participate in the study. Participants were recruited at the congregate meal site in Ilion, NY between February, and March 2023. Intervention: A nutrition intervention using BCT, including 1 group educational session and 3 cooking demonstrations lasting 15 minutes each were given to participants in a group-setting. Results: There was no significant difference among final scores in nutrition knowledge or confidence levels post-intervention. Conclusions and Implications: This intervention design using BCT is not an effective way to affect nutrition knowledge or confidence levels among participants.
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Positive Pathways 4-Week Self-Paced Virtual Nutrition and Lifestyle ProgramObjective: To evaluate the effectiveness of joining a four-week self-paced nutrition and lifestyle program with weekly meetings led by nutrition experts alongside other adults seeking a comprehensive approach to developing substantial healthy habits. Methods: The effectiveness of the program was assessed via pre- and post-survey and analyzed using the Wilcoxon test via SPSS Statistics software. Setting: Virtual (synchronous and asynchronous) Participants: In March of 2024, 4 adults enrolled in the program. Intervention: The participants completed the virtual program over 4 weeks in 2024. Results: The primary findings of this study were that a 4-week virtual nutrition and lifestyle program did not elicit a statistically significant change in the nutrition confidence in individuals Conclusion: In conclusion, results from the present study indicated the 4-week self-paced nutrition and lifestyle program impacted participants' behavioral confidence but not significantly enough to know if changes in sustainable habits will follow.
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Assessing the Effectiveness of a Self-Efficacy and MyPlate-Based Intervention on Nutrition Knowledge of Crunch Fitness MembersBackground: Nutrition-related chronic diseases represent a significant health and economic burden in the United States. Despite established dietary guidelines, a gap exists in translating nutrition knowledge into lifestyle choices, particularly among individuals engaged in regular exercise, necessitating targeted interventions to bridge this knowledge gap. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of the nutrition education intervention designed to increase nutrition knowledge in Crunch Fitness members. Methods: A quasi-experimental design study and pre/post-intervention assessments were used to measure the effectiveness of two 60-minute intervention sessions based on enhancing self-efficacy through the Social Cognitive Theory, improving knowledge about MyPlate, food groups, and the drawbacks of short-term diets to Crunch Fitness members (n=12) voluntarily participating in the intervention. Participants underwent pre- and post- intervention surveys, with a follow-up survey one month later. Independent two-sample t tests were used to assess for significant changes in nutrition-related knowledge/skills and improvement in self-efficacy. Results: The results reveal there was a significant difference in posttest scores when compared to the pretest scores of the knowledge section of the survey immediately following the intervention (p =.001) and at the one-month follow-up (p =.025). For the self-efficacy questions section of the survey, results reveal there was a significant difference in posttest scores when compared to pretest scores, (p =.002) immediately following the intervention, but not at the one-month follow up (p=.054). Conclusion: In conclusion, the nutrition education intervention given at Crunch Fitness effectively increased participants' nutrition knowledge long-term, as evidenced by significant improvements in posttest survey scores one-month following the intervention
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Evaluating the Effectiveness of a Hydration Education Session on the Older Adult Population’s Knowledge of Hydration NeedsBackground: Dehydration is one of the most common causes of hospitalizations in the older adult population. As we age our thirst sensation decreases, increasing our risk for dehydration. Older adults are at a greater risk of dehydration due to body composition changes. The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of an education session on increasing the awareness and importance of maintaining proper hydration and the possible implications associated with decreased hydrations status. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a lesson on hydration importance in the older adult population. Methods: Twenty-five participants were provided an education lesson on hydration needs and importance of hydration in the older adult population. The participants were given a pre and post-test to complete before and after the lesson. The total score of the pre-test and post-test were compared. Confidence in hydration knowledge was also captured on the post-test. The quantitative data collected from the pre and post-tests and were compared using paired t-tests with a p value of <0.05 as statistically significant. Participants: 25 older adults (ages 65 or older) participated in the study. Intervention: A 30-minute lesson plan which explained the importance of hydration in the older adult population was given at the St. Barts facility. Results: From the intervention education session, there is statistical significance between the education session and the knowledge of the older adults based on the mean of the total scores increasing from the pre and post-test. The data proved to be statistically significant, that after the education session the 25 participants felt more confident in their ability to meet their hydration requirements each day. The participants also were able to understand how important hydration status is and what some of the common signs and symptoms are to help prevent becoming dehydrated. For this study specifically it was important to determine the increase in knowledge and understanding of how important hydration is to the participants overall health. Conclusion: The hydration education session was effective in teaching the older adults the importance of hydration in this population. It is imperative to continue to provide hydration education to this vulnerable population to help eliminate unnecessary hospitalizations and shorten the length of stay while in the hospital.
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Impact of Eating Disorder Course for Nutrition Students: Shifts in comfort, confidence, and eating disorder knowledgeABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of an educational intervention to improve comfort, confidence, and knowledge in working with eating disorders for nutrition students Design: Quasi-experimental Methods: The study examined the impact of a four-module course on nutrition students’ (nutrition undergraduate, dietetic internship, or graduate) comfort and confidence levels in working with individuals with eating disorders, risk of development of an eating disorder, and their knowledge of working with eating disorders. The study employed a pre-test/post-test design to assess changes in participants before and after the intervention. Setting: Virtual administration Participants: 5 participants completed pre- and post-test data Intervention: Participants completed a four-hour course on eating disorders written by an eating disorder expert in the spring of 2024. Results: The use of an eating disorder course for nutrition students increased students’ self-reported levels of confidence and comfort when thinking about working with eating disorders in their future careers. There was not a significant difference in pre-test and post-test knowledge assessment, however participants’ scores remained the same or increased. The average of the participants’ pre-test and post-test EAT-26 assessment did not show a significant change. Conclusions and Implications: The use of an eating disorder course for nutrition students has the potential to improve student comfort and confidence in working with eating disorders, as well as their overall knowledge of nutrition counseling for eating disorders. It is imperative to continue to consider the impact that eating disorder education may have on the risk of eating disorder development for nutrition students.
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An Early Enteral Nutrition (EEN) Protocol for Adult Critically Ill PatientsBackground: Enteral nutrition (EN) is the preferred feeding route for critically ill patients who are unable to maintain volitional intake due to intubation with mechanical ventilation, as it attenuates the metabolic response to critical illness. Established guidelines support early EN (EEN) initiation within the first 24-48 hours of intubation to improve various clinical outcomes. Objectives: To determine if implementation of an EEN protocol increases the number of patients that receive EEN within 48 hours of intubation, as well as to assess the effect of EN timing on certain nutritional and clinical patient outcomes. Methods: A quasi-experimental, single-center, retrospective study involving analysis of electronic medical record (EMR) data of critically ill, intubated and mechanically ventilated, adult patients admitted to two ICUs of a community hospital was performed before (control group) and following implementation of the protocol (intervention group). The EEN protocol involved a flowchart and education sessions for staff. Demographic, clinical, and nutrition data were collected and analyzed. Results: The EEN protocol resulted in a statistically significant increase the number of patients that received early EN (p = <0.001), from 33.3% to 74.1% of patients, but this did not translate into a reduction in the primary nutrition endpoints of constipation and pressure injury progression or development, nor other clinical patient outcomes of reduced mechanical ventilation duration, mortality, or ICU and hospital length of stay (LOS). Conclusions: Implementation of an EEN protocol successfully increased the number of patients that received EEN within the recommended 48 hours of intubation, however, patient outcomes did not improve as intended. A larger study of longer duration may have been more efficacious.
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Assessing the Effectiveness of a Health-Belief Model-Based Intervention on the Nutrition Knowledge, Health Beliefs, and Behaviors of Adult Participants of the YMCABackground: Nutrition is foundational for athletes to achieve optimal athletic performance and to promote proper recovery while reducing the risk of injury. Many lack nutrition-related knowledge, health beliefs, and behaviors pertaining to general and sports nutrition to do so. Objectives: To assess the effectiveness of a health belief model-based intervention for improving nutrition-related knowledge, health beliefs, and behaviors. Methods: A quasi-experimental design study and pre/post-intervention assessments were used to measure the effectiveness of an online health belief model-based intervention program in improving nutrition-related knowledge, health beliefs, and behaviors of adult participants (n = 4) of the YMCA. Mann-Whitney U tests were used to assess for changes in significance in nutrition related knowledge, health beliefs, and behaviors. Results: The intervention did not produce improvements in nutrition-related knowledge, health beliefs, and behaviors of statistical significance related to general and sports nutrition. Conclusions: The discrepancies in the findings of the current study and prior studies relating to the effectiveness of the intervention’s theoretical framework in producing improvements in general and sports nutrition related knowledge, health beliefs, and behaviors may suggest that the current studies’ unequal, small sample size resulted in the inability to determine statistical significance.
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Effectiveness of Nutrition Education Intervention in Schenectady County Meal Site ParticipantsBackground: The rapid growth of the aging population presents challenges for the healthcare industry. Increased longevity is often accompanied by higher risk of chronic disease, functional impairment, and food insecurity. Programs offered by Offices of the Aging seek to combat these issues through the provision of meals, nutrition education, physical activities, social activities, and health screenings. A needs assessment conducted at Schenectady County congregate meal sites revealed a high prevalence of cardiovascular disease and, despite educational offerings, significant nutrition knowledge deficits. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of multiple sessions of heart-healthy nutrition education on congregate meal site participants’ nutrition knowledge, dietary habits, and blood pressures. Methods: 16 participants were recruited at the Glenville meal site. Changes in dietary habits and nutrition knowledge were evaluated by comparing FFQ and nutrition knowledge assessment data collected during the needs assessment to post-intervention results. Changes in blood pressure were evaluated by comparing pre- to post-intervention measurements. Results: There were non-significant increases in overall nutrition knowledge assessment scores, as well as the scores for questions pertaining to the salt and fat content of foods. There were no significant changes in dietary habits or blood pressure measurements as compared to baseline. Conclusions: Further research is needed to evaluate whether more educational sessions over a longer duration of time might be more effective at impacting changes in nutrition knowledge, dietary behaviors and health outcomes.
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The Effects of Nutrition Education on Perceived Nutritional Food Intake in Food Bank Participants in Delaware CountyABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the effectives of nutritional interventions in a food bank setting aimed to improve the perception of the availability of nutritious food items. Design: Quasi-experimental design study and pre/post-intervention assessments Methods: Food Bank participant nutritional knowledge and confidence levels in their ability to produce nutritious meals with food received from the food bank was evaluated pre and post nutritional intervention. Setting: Delaware Opportunities, Hamden NY Participants: Ten people who were utilizing the Delaware Opportunities Food Bank Intervention: Participants were provided a recipe based on ingredients available at the food bank, a food demonstration of said recipe and a traffic light labeling system accompanied by education and explanation of the categorization. Results: Nutritional knowledge significantly increased post intervention, however participant confidence in their ability to produce nutritious meals based on food items received from the food bank did not significantly increase. Conclusion and Implications: traffic light labeling, recipe development, and food demonstration provided at the Delaware Opportunities Food Bank significantly improved participant nutritional knowledge related to the food available but did not significantly increase participant confidence to create nutritious meals moving forward. The results as well as relevant literature suggest that more long-term interventions are needed to improve confidence in a meaningful way.
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Providing Salt-Free and Sugar-Free Seasoning Blends to Adolescents and their Effect on Vegetable Intake in the School EnvironmentObjective: To evaluate the effect of providing sugar-free, salt-free spice blends on vegetable intake among adolescents Design: Quasi-experimental, case-control Methods: Subject selection, consumption, and enjoyment of vegetables served in school-offered meals was measured prior to the intervention period and again following 4 weeks of providing spice blends. Measurements were made using numerical and Likert scales along with open-ended solicitation of feedback. Setting: South Jefferson High School, Adams, New York Participants: High school students enrolled in health classes in the 2023-2024 school year (n=13). Intervention: Following a pre-test assessment, students were provided with optional spice blends in the lunch lines for 4 weeks. After the 4 weeks, a post-test was administered to measure the effect of the spices on vegetable selection, consumption, and enjoyment. Results: After 4 weeks, the spice blends did not produce significant changes in vegetable selection, consumption, or enjoyment among subjects. Conclusions and Implications: Herbs and spices have been demonstrated elsewhere to be effective methods for improving vegetable intake in the adolescent population.22,23 This study’s results suggest the need for further, more rigorous testing in the population.
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The Food Farmacy Project: Bridging the Gap Between Discharge and the Establishment of a Long-Term, Community-Based Food Source for Patients Experiencing Food InsecurityThe purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility and usefulness of the Food Farmacy Program at Garnet Health affiliated hospitals. The Food Farmacy Program is a pilot program that consists of a closed food pantry which provides positively screened food insecure patients with a food bag containing a 3-day supply of non-perishable food items upon discharge. A total of 2 participants (n=2) received the food bag and completed an outcome assessment survey one week post discharge between April 10, 2023 and April 21, 2023. Participant responses were recorded in an excel spreadsheet and analyzed for frequency of each response to each question. Results of this study show that both participants (100%) found the food bag to be “very useful”, lasted them an average of 3.5 days, helped them maintain satiety for the duration, and was age appropriate for their household. The results of this study indicate that the Food Farmacy Program should continue to be offered in the Garnet Health system as a supplement to other interventions aimed at addressing food insecurity
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Evaluating a Nutrition Education Intervention to Promote A Healthy Lifestyle Among Older AdultsObjectives: Evaluate the effectiveness of a new nutrition program developed to address the nutrition education needs of this community. Design: Quasi-experimental Design Methods: The intervention included a new nutrition education program at Carmine Carro Community Center over a period of 5 weeks. Multiple nutrition education classes (5 classes) for older adults in this community were provided to increase their knowledge and promote a healthy lifestyle. Participants were asked to attend each class session. Participants were recruited from the community senior center, located in Brooklyn, NY. Convenience sampling was used to recruit participants. Participants attended these classes as they liked, but they needed to be a member in order to be able to participate. Multiple tools were used to collect data to quantify the effectiveness of the intervention, which included pre-tests and post-tests surveys/questionnaires, nutrition exit slip, activities and games. Quantitative Data (participants surveys/questionnaire scores) were analyzed and compared using paired t-tests created using SPSS software. Qualitative Data were thematically examined to identify facilitators for this intervention, which included observations made during each class session. Results: The nutrition education intervention program increased participants’ knowledge about cholesterol (p < 0.05). However, it demonstrated that there was no change following the diabetes lesson. Participants reported a positive experience with the nutrition intervention program that was implemented. Many were very involved during the class sessions. p-values were used to show the significance difference between the pre-tests and post-tests. Discussion: This nutrition education intervention was effective in increasing the community’s knowledge, and skills. Even Though participation varied during each class session, positive feedback was received from participants. Previous studies have demonstrated that nutrition education works in teaching participants to recognize a healthy diet and promote a healthy lifestyle. A bigger sample size was included in these studies. However, similar results were obtained as it gave participants the opportunity to participate in increasing their knowledge. Strengths of this study is that it provided researchers with complete control over all aspects of the independent variable, more generalizable, and have better external validity. Limitations of this study is that randomization is not used, participation was very low for some of the class sessions, time conflict with the class, bias
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Rural Geriatric Nutrition: Addressing Nutrition Related Knowledge DeficitsObjective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a nutrition-related education program on knowledge deficits and the initiation of behavior changes. Design: Mixed methods. Methods: Participant knowledge was compared using a pre- and post-test survey. Initiation of behavior change was assessed through individual nutrition-related goals. Setting: Dillio’s Café, Prattsburgh, NY Participants: In 2023, 12 older adults who utilize the meal program participated. Intervention: In 2023, a nutrition intervention was delivered to all 12 participants via trivia and jeopardy styled games based on the social cognitive theory. Results: Post-test survey scores were significantly greater than the pre-test survey scores with a p<0.05. Initiation of behavior change was notable in 11 participants as seen through individual nutrition-related goals. Conclusions and Implications: Delivering a nutrition education is an effective way to address nutrition-related knowledge deficits and initiating behavior changes for more healthful lives. Additional research is needed to measure compliance to behavior change.
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Evaluating the Effectiveness of an Intervention Designed to Address Malnutrition in Elderly PatientsObjective: To evaluate the effectiveness of group nutrition counseling compared to individualized nutrition counseling. Design: Quasi experimental trial Methods: Participants split into two groups. The knowledge change of participants was evaluated by comparing scores of pre- and post- activity. Setting: North Westchester Restorative Nursing Facility, Mohegan Lake, NY Participants: 10 residents of the nursing home enrolled in the study Intervention: Each group participated in an activity in which they determined the daily serving recommendations of sorted various food groups. After an educational lesson, the participants performed the same activity. Results: The 1-on-1 counseled participants showed a statistically significant improvement. There was no statistically significant difference shown among group-counseled participants. Conclusion: The study indicates that 1-on-1 counseling is a more effective method of nutrition intervention compared to group counseling
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Increasing Fruit & Vegetable Intake Through the Health Belief Model in Socioeconomically Disadvantage Individuals of St. Lawrence County, New YorkObjective: To evaluate how effective an intervention designed using the Health Belief Model is on increasing fruit & vegetable intake. Design: Quasi-experimental Methods: Utilized qualitative and quantitative (with Mann-Whitney U Test). Participants were recruited through a program called Bonus Bucks at GardenShare organization. Data was collected through google forms with a pre and post-test. Setting: Online ZOOM platform. Pre-test & post-test through google forms. Participants: five participants completed the whole intervention online intervention. Intervention: Health Belief Model was utilized to change behavior. Three online sessions were utilized to cover key points in the Health Belief Model including health risks, health benefits, barriers and solutions to fruits and vegetables. Included education on prime seasons of fruits and vegetables and activities to engage participants like discussions and questions. Results: The intervention insignificantly changed fruit and vegetable intake. Behavior change based on the Health Belief Models perceived threats, benefits, solutions, and self-efficacy was insignificant. Conclusions and Implications: As this study is a pilot study further research is needed to eliminate limitations and decrease gaps in the intervention. The intervention to evaluate how effective an intervention based on the Health Belief Model was to increase
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Effectiveness of a Food Map Tool to Address Food Insecurity Amongst a Senior PopulationObjective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a food map tool on increasing knowledge about local sources of food and the information needed on such food map tools to improve the effectiveness. Design: Qualitative Experiment Design. Methods: Community members’ perception of the usefulness of a food map tool created for Livingston County was evaluated using focus groups. Participants were asked pre- & post-questions about the map. Content analysis was used to identify emerging themes. The themes were used to make improvements to the food map tool. Setting: Dansville and Mt. Morris congregate meal sites in Livingston County, NY Participants: In February 2023, 15 community members, who attend the congregate meal sites in Dansville and Mt. Morris, aged 60 years and older were enrolled in this study. Intervention: In February 2023, the food map tool was introduced to community members in a focus group setting. Prior to being shown the tool, participants were asked pre-questions. After seeing the food map, they were asked a series of post-questions. Their responses were recorded for content analysis. Results: The use of a food map tool increased community members’ knowledge of local food sources. However, identified emerging themes support the need for revisions to the food map to increase the effectiveness of the tool. The food map was generally well-received, and many participants opted to keep a copy of the map for themselves. Conclusions and Implications: The food map tool, with proper revisions, can be an effective method to increase the knowledge of local food sources and utilization of such a tool. Determining what the residents are looking for and what they want is important when creating an effective food map tool.
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Change in Adolescent Nutrition Knowledge and Self-Efficacy Following Education and Activity InterventionObjective: To evaluate the effectiveness of an in-class lecture and hands-on activity intervention on the nutrition knowledge and self-efficacy of adolescents attending high school health classes. Design: Three nutrition-related surveys and questionnaires were completed by adolescents before and after a 15- to 20-minute presentation-style lecture, group discussion, and hands-on shopping and meal planning activity. Setting: A public high school in up-state New York. Analysis: Pre- and post-survey results were compared and analyzed using paired t-tests and the nonparametric Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test. General observations of data trends were also considered. Results: All three assessment tools showed statistically significant improvements from pre- to post-intervention. However, the level of impact demonstrated ranges from minimal in the knowledge scores (Cohen’s d-value of 0.321, 95% confidence) to moderate in the case of self-efficacy (Cohen’s d-value of 0.545, 95% confidence) and health literacy (Z = -2.679, p = 0.007). Conclusions: In-class nutrition interventions can positively influence the nutrition knowledge survey scores, self-efficacy questionnaire ratings, and health literacy scores of adolescents. Social Cognitive Theory-based nutrition interventions using knowledge and skill building methodologies are effective in a high school setting and can be expanded beyond the research realm into health class teaching techniques
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Evaluating the Effectiveness of a Balanced Plate InterventionObjective: To evaluate the effectiveness of 3 educational sessions on nutrition knowledge and behavior in a virtual Facebook group run by a Registered Dietitian. Design: Quasi-experimental design Methods: Three educational sessions were created based on the needs of the Nourished with Emily Facebook group members. Pre and post-tests were used to determine a difference in knowledge before and after the intervention. Behavior change was also evaluated in participants. Setting: Virtual; Zoom Participants: Women who are between the ages of 25-55, live across the United States, and are employed who are members of the Nourished with Emily Facebook group. Intervention: A pre-test was sent out to those that signed up before the intervention. A zoom link was sent to all participants who signed up. The 3educational sessions were based off the areas on the needs assessment survey that were answered incorrectly by most participants. A post-test was sent to participants after the final educational session as well as another post-test one week later. Results: There was no significant difference between the mean total scores of the pre and post-tests. There was also no significance difference in the qualitative data found on the pre and post-tests. However, it was seen that the participants reported that they did apply the information they learned from the intervention on post-test that was sent out 1 week after the last session. Conclusions and Implications: The 3 educational sessions were not effective in significantly increasing nutrition knowledge in this virtual population. These findings reject the authors’ hypothesis that the educational sessions would increase knowledge of the participants.
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A Retrospective Chart Review to Determine the Prevalence of Malnutrition in the Elderly and the Effects of Nutrition InterventionsBackground: The prevalence of malnutrition in elderly patients continues to increase with an aging population. Patients with malnutrition are at risk for longer hospital stays, increased risk of frailty, at higher risk for having a poor quality of health, poor health outcomes and increased mortality. Objectives: Evaluate the effectiveness of new nutritional interventions to help correct malnutrition diagnosis criteria. Setting: Presbyterian Home and Services an Acute Rehab and Long Term Care Nursing Facility Participants: 27 elderly patients initially met the malnutrition criteria, at the time of the interventions there were only 20 patients Study Design: Retrospective Study to evaluate the effectiveness of nutritional interventions. That data was utilized to help develop new nutritional interventions. Methods: The newly developed interventions were implemented and the data was collected over a 3 week span. data was collected on weight change, Pre and Post-BMI. The data was analyzed utilizing SPSS Software. Intervention: A high calorie diet was implemented for patients that met the criteria for malnutrition, patients with BMI of 23 were screened to prevent BMI <22, whole milk was programmed in house diet in place of 2% milk Results:100% of the patients had a beneficial wt gain of .10 to 1.25#. This was clinically relevant as evidenced by the score of the paired T-test. During the time frame of the interventions none of the patients had their malnutrition criteria diagnosis corrected. Conclusions: Early screening and implementing nutritional interventions can help prevent malnutrition. Once a patient is diagnosed with malnutrition it is difficult to correct.
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Effectiveness of Education on Knowledge and Participation in Community ProgramsIntroduction: A Quasi-experimental study was performed to determine if education in the form of handouts would increase participant use in the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP Ed) programs. Methods: Participants were recruited for this study the day of the intervention. The effectiveness of this study was based on changes in pre- and post- questionnaire responses. Participants completed a pre- questionnaire prior to the intervention, and a post questionnaire 3 weeks later. Results: There was a significant change in the number of participants who stated they received education/information on LIHEAP, and SNAP Ed (p = 0.023). All other results were not statistically significant. Conclusions: Further studies should be completed to evaluate the effectiveness of education on increasing knowledge, and participation in community programs. While this study provided insight to the benefit that education may have on community program participation, there was limited significance in results and further studies should be altered.
