Success StoryPilot Results of Healthy Choices for Your Recovering Body



Pilot Results of Healthy Choices for Your Recovering Body

Author: Sara Jenkins

Planning Unit: Family and Consumer Sciences

Major Program: Substance Use and Mental Health - FCS

Outcome: Intermediate Outcome

Kentucky consistently ranks among the most challenged states in the United States in terms of drug and alcohol use. Compared to the national average, Kentucky has a higher rate of tobacco use, prescription drug misuse, and substance use disorder (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2020). Kentucky is also one of the leading states in terms of drug overdose, with an overdose death rate that is 71.4% higher than the national average (Kentucky Injury Prevention and Research Center, 2018). In a recent Extension statewide survey of Kentuckians, substance abuse was identified a top priority. Further, NEP Assistants working in community substance use recovery programs stated that there was a need for resources and curriculum to support their work. As a result, the Healthy Choices for Your Recovering Body curriculum was developed by the Nutrition Education Program and Family and Consumer Sciences Extension. Formative research with audience-experienced NEP Assistants informed the development of this effort.

During the 2022 program year, the curriculum was pilot tested with 498 individuals. Quantitative pilot data was collected to determine the effectiveness of the curriculum. T-tests were used to compare mean pretest and posttest scores of Healthy Choices for Your Recovering Body (HCYRB) with Healthy Choices for Every Body (HCEB), which is the usual curriculum. Both curricula had statistically significant pre/post differences. Within curriculum results indicate HCYRB curriculum is as effective as HCEB curriculum, with both showing statistically significant positive changes in knowledge and behavior from pretest to posttest. Follow-up qualitative data was collected from NEP Assistants. NEP Assistants overwhelmingly felt that the HCYRB curriculum was better suited for SUR clients. Assistants reported that community partners were excited to offer a class developed specifically for those in recovery. As a result of information taught in the curriculum, some facilities modified food and snack options. Other feedback was used to revise the curriculum. Statewide rollout is planned for later this year.

Further, the pilot findings were presented at two national conferences (ASNNA and EFNEP) during this program year. Programs across the country are interested in this curriculum for their own work.






Stories by Sara Jenkins


Families in the Kitchen...Cook Together, Eat Together

about 3 months ago by Sara Jenkins

The number of Kentuckians living in poverty is consistently above the national average, as is the pe... Read More


Healthy Choices for Every Body

about 3 months ago by Sara Jenkins

Kentucky ranks among the top seven states in the United States for poverty and the ninth highest sta... Read More


Stories by Family and Consumer Sciences


Disaster Prepared on a Budget

Disaster Prepared on a Budget

about 3 months ago by LaToya Drake

Kentucky has faced an increasing incidence of severe weather events, including tornadoes, fires, and... Read More


Kentucky Saves Week 2024 Spreads Savings Message

Kentucky Saves Week 2024 Spreads Savings Message

about 3 months ago by Kelly May

Kentucky Saves is led by the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service as part of the nat... Read More