| The costs of adolescent pregnancy to the nation are enormous. Public costs for medical care and social support are estimated at between {dollar}7 billion and {dollar}15 billion a year (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2000). Literature has focused on the need to improve the nutritional status of the pregnant teen to reduce pregnancy complications and improve pregnancy outcome. Several studies have indicated that pregnant adolescents continue to follow the same type of diets as their peers, however, some do make changes to accommodate the increased needs for pregnancy. Learning the connection between good nutrition and their baby's health may be the motivation needed to maintain or improve their diet.; This study targeted pregnant and parenting teens. The purpose was to determine if an online interactive nutrition education intervention could promote improved dietary behavior by influencing the respondents' nutrition attitudes (barriers and benefits). Thirty-six respondents with matched pre- and posttest scores comprised the online group, 78 respondents with matched pre- and posttest scores comprised the comparison group. The comparison group received nutrition education through traditional classroom instruction.; The respondents in both groups shared very similar characteristics. The respondents in both groups were between 16 and 17 years of age in the 11 th grade.; This study did not find a significant change in dietary behavior pre and post educational intervention. However, dietary behavior can be impacted by individuals' Stage of Change (readiness to change), the personal support an individual has for improved dietary behavior, and the barriers an individual experiences. |
