O9 Coping with COVID-19: A Qualitative Study with Former SNAP-Ed Nutrition Education Participants

BackgroundLittle is known about the ways in which evidence-based interventions with established behavior outcomes may have prepared participants coping changes to shopping, cooking, and eating during COVID-19 pandemic.ObjectiveThis project assesses extent maintained health behaviors after nutrition education how program learnings informed strategies cope pandemic.Study Design, Setting, ParticipantsUsing a qualitative case-study approach, (n = 41) were recruited at least 6 months post-intervention from 5 Michigan Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) programs. Structured interviews occurred via telephone by 13 trained interviewers August September 2020.Measurable Outcome/AnalysisInterviews audio recorded transcribed. A 5-person evaluation team collaboratively developed inductive codes, double-coded each interview, analyzed data using NVivo software.ResultsBased on theming, reported learned regarding healthier that class. Prominent examples included reading food labels, making substitutions, incorporating variety of fruits, vegetables, leaner meats into meals, reducing sodium intake. New obstacles identified amid pandemic. Common shopping routine changes, increased cooking home, access attainability. Most new habits classes not only pandemic but helped them deal changing circumstances caused pandemic.ConclusionAlthough before pandemic, gained knowledge skills maintain healthy eating. Results this study shared back SNAP-Ed programs participants. Findings can help future identify incorporate classes, contributing sustainable better preparing for ongoing possible public crises. Little This Using 2020. Interviews software. Based Although