Assets, Challenges, and the Potential of Technology for Nutrition Education in Rural Communities

Objective: To examine assets of and challenges to getting adequate nutrition and physical activity among low-income rural residents, and the potential for technology to provide health education. Methods: Environmental scans and community stakeholder interviews were conducted in 5 rural counties in Maryland. During environmental scans, stakeholders guided tours around each county to explore community services and resources for nutrition, physical activity and technology. In-depth interviews with stakeholders (n = 58) focused on nutrition, physical activity, and technology issues. Results: Low-income residents both benefit from and face challenges in rural settings. Besides attitude and knowledge barriers, lack of affordable resources and public transportation contributed to inattention to nutrition and physical activity. Stakeholders' reactions to a proposed Internet-based intervention were mostly favorable, but questions emerged about providing computers and Internet to individual families. Conclusions and Implications: Internet-based education may be a viable option to help low-income rural residents overcome barriers to nutrition and physical activity.