Formative Evaluation of a Booklet on Healthful Beverage Choices Written for Parents and Guardians of Young, School-age Children
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Authors
Eiler, Kelly Lynn
Issue Date
2022
Type
Thesis
Language
Keywords
Nutrition , SSB , Sugar-sweetened beverage
Alternative Title
Abstract
The purpose of this thesis study was to conduct a formative evaluation of educational material written for parents/guardians of young, school-age children age 6-12 on the topic of healthful beverage choices. The booklet was developed as a part of the Rethink Your Drink Nevada (RYD) Program. This study was conducted in two phases.Phase I consisted of a mail survey of 25 content experts to determine the extent to which the booklet achieved the stated instructional objectives and was suitable for parents and guardians of young school-aged children. The survey included the Suitability Assessment of Materials (SAM) Instrument. This standardized instrument assesses multiple characteristics that are organized in six categories: 1) content, 2) literacy demand, 3) graphics, 4) layout and typography, 5) learning stimulation and motivation, and 6) cultural appropriateness. Using the recommended method for the SAM instrument, the average score among the content experts was computed for each category and overall. Results revealed an average rating of “superior” for each category (85% to 95%) and for the booklet overall (92%) with some suggestions for improvement. In addition, a high proportion of content experts responded affirmatively that the booklet met the instructional objectives (68% to 88%), Phase II consisted of interviews with 25 parents/guardians of children aged 6-12 (i.e. the target audience) to determine the extent to which the booklet was relevant and appealing to them. The resulting qualitative data were then sorted and categorized into themes by independent coders with a coding agreement ranging from 61% to 100%. In general, parents’/guardians’ comments revealed that the purpose of the booklet was understood, and that the content offered new information consistent with the intent. Additionally, ways to improve the booklet (e.g. select graphics) were suggested. Both content experts and parents/guardians made recommendations about one specific page of the booklet to enhance its usefulness. One strength of this formative evaluation study was the inclusion of both content experts and members of the target audience. One limitation was the inability to use an audio- recording device during the interview with parents/guardians. In conclusion, the results of this study provided new information regarding a booklet on healthful beverages written for parents/guardians of young, school-age children including a number of ways to further strengthen this educational resource.