A Qualitative Study on the Motivators, Barriers and Supports to Participation in a Pediatric Produce Prescription Program in Hawai‘i

Monica Esquivel (), Alicia Higa, Andrea Guidry, Cherese Shelton and May Okihiro
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Monica Esquivel: Department of Human Nutrition, Food and Animal Sciences, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
Alicia Higa: Elepaio Social Services, Waianae, HI 96792, USA
Andrea Guidry: Department of Human Nutrition, Food and Animal Sciences, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
Cherese Shelton: Elepaio Social Services, Waianae, HI 96792, USA
May Okihiro: Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center, Waianae, HI 96792, USA

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 24, 1-10

Abstract: Produce prescriptions that provide vouchers to individuals to purchase fresh FVs at a specified retail outlet have the potential to positively impact food security status, diet, and chronic disease risk. However, maximizing program participation is vital to ensuring program success. This research describes motivators, barriers, and support for participation in a child produce prescription program among a population of Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islanders, who are underrepresented in this field of research. This qualitative grounded theory study was nestled within a quasi-experimental pilot intervention trial and included semi-structured interviews with pediatric program participants. Twenty-five interviews were conducted, which represented one-third of program participants. The top support factors for program participation included: ease of voucher use, program convenience, health center/pediatrician endorsement and positive communications with farmers’ market vendors. Key motivators for program participation were produce enjoyment, child support, financial support, and positive impacts on family. Three themes emerged consistently as barriers to participation amongst participants, (1) difficult use of vouchers, (2) conflicting schedules, and (3) online market concerns. (4) Conclusions: This research offers insight into policy implications as the number of produce prescription programs has grown. These findings suggest that key program design characteristics can enhance and support program participation.

Keywords: qualitative research; child nutrition; native Hawaiian (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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