Turtle Island Tales: Feasibility Pilot with Extension/SNAP-Ed

Objective Determine if Turtle Island Tales, a research-tested family wellness program for American Indian families with young children, is feasible and impactful when delivered by Extension/SNAP-Ed. Use of Theory/Research Turtle Island Tales was informed by two large, randomized controlled trials of a home-based obesity prevention intervention. Both trials involved multiple communities, had high retention, indicated improved health behaviors, and were well received by participants (n=600 families across two studies). Previous research on this program was guided by social cognitive and family systems theories. Target Audience The current program targeted Blackfeet families with at least one child ages 3-8 years old. Program Descriptions The intervention was a kit mailed monthly into homes for 12 months. Kits targeted positive health behaviors related to nutrition, physical activity, emotional regulation, and screen time. Each kit contained printed adult-focused lessons, a children's book, support items (eg, recipes, apple corer, dreamcatcher kit, toothbrush), and family activity ideas. Program delivery was coordinated through Montana State University Extension/SNAP-Ed. Evaluation Methods Program outputs were tracked through recruitment and retention. Pre- and post- evaluation from participating adults utilized surveys included in previous program research: the Family Nutrition and Physical Activity Scale, Perceived Stress Scale, and Household Food Security Scale. Results Fifty-seven families enrolled and completed baseline surveys: 75% came from Facebook marketing, where 42% enrolled after initially expressing interest. Additional participants (n=14) were recruited in person by key partners. All 57 families received the full 12-month program. At baseline, participating families with more children had greater risk of food insecurity (r=0.333*), and older caregivers reported a lower risk family environment (r=.0346*). Additional analysis will explore change in outcomes over the 12-month participation period, self-reported engagement with kits, and significance of demographic controls. Conclusion These results will inform effective, sustainable delivery strategies as well as determine if adaptations are needed for different participants or partner organizations to maximize impacts of this program, which addresses a significant gap in SNAP-Ed interventions relevant to American Indian families. Funding Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program - Education Internal Pilot Funds Determine if Turtle Island Tales, a research-tested family wellness program for American Indian families with young children, is feasible and impactful when delivered by Extension/SNAP-Ed. Turtle Island Tales was informed by two large, randomized controlled trials of a home-based obesity prevention intervention. Both trials involved multiple communities, had high retention, indicated improved health behaviors, and were well received by participants (n=600 families across two studies). Previous research on this program was guided by social cognitive and family systems theories. The current program targeted Blackfeet families with at least one child ages 3-8 years old. The intervention was a kit mailed monthly into homes for 12 months. Kits targeted positive health behaviors related to nutrition, physical activity, emotional regulation, and screen time. Each kit contained printed adult-focused lessons, a children's book, support items (eg, recipes, apple corer, dreamcatcher kit, toothbrush), and family activity ideas. Program delivery was coordinated through Montana State University Extension/SNAP-Ed. Program outputs were tracked through recruitment and retention. Pre- and post- evaluation from participating adults utilized surveys included in previous program research: the Family Nutrition and Physical Activity Scale, Perceived Stress Scale, and Household Food Security Scale. Fifty-seven families enrolled and completed baseline surveys: 75% came from Facebook marketing, where 42% enrolled after initially expressing interest. Additional participants (n=14) were recruited in person by key partners. All 57 families received the full 12-month program. At baseline, participating families with more children had greater risk of food insecurity (r=0.333*), and older caregivers reported a lower risk family environment (r=.0346*). Additional analysis will explore change in outcomes over the 12-month participation period, self-reported engagement with kits, and significance of demographic controls. These results will inform effective, sustainable delivery strategies as well as determine if adaptations are needed for different participants or partner organizations to maximize impacts of this program, which addresses a significant gap in SNAP-Ed interventions relevant to American Indian families.