%0 Journal Article
%T Assessment of Interest in a Virtual Avatar-Based Nutrition Education Program Among Youth-Serving Community Partners.
%A Enahora B
%A Tripicchio GL
%A Kopper R
%A Dyson OL
%A Labban J
%A Shriver LH
%A Haldeman LA
%A Rhea CK
%A McGuirt JT
%J J Nutr Educ Behav
%V 0
%N 0
%D 2024 Jul 18
%M 39033458
%F 2.822
%R 10.1016/j.jneb.2024.06.005
%X <B>OBJECTIVE: </B>Examine the appeal of a virtual avatar-led nutrition education program among youth-serving community partners in North Carolina.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>We surveyed community partners using the Diffusion of Innovation Theory constructs of relative advantage, compatibility, and complexity. Logistic regression evaluated the appeal and likelihood of the program's future use.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>Community partners (n = 100) agreed that the program was an innovative (87%) and convenient (85%) way for youth and parents to learn about nutrition. Partners who perceived the program as a relative advantage to current programs had significantly higher odds of future use intention (P = 0.005). Those who found it compatible with organizational and personal values had significantly higher odds of future use (P < 0.001).<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>A nutrition education virtual avatar program is of interest to youth-engaged community partners. Future research examining the potential integration of this type of program within community organizations is warranted.