Date of Graduation

Summer 8-14-2026

Document Access

Project/Capstone - Global access

Degree Name

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

College/School

School of Nursing and Health Professions

Program

MSN project

First Advisor

Mahmoud Kaddoura

Abstract

Objective This quality improvement (QI) project evaluated the effectiveness of a 10-week nutrition education program designed to improve nutrition knowledge and confidence in making healthy nutritional choices among independent older adults living in a low-income senior housing community. Aim By August 10, 2026 the goal of this project was to increase average nutrition knowledge and confidence scores related to selecting nutritious foods and preparing healthier meals by 20% among senior housing facility residents. Methods A microsystem assessment and gap analysis, literature review, SWOT analysis, fishbone diagram, and GANTT chart were completed to guide the project development and implementation. Weekly nutrition education workshops were conducted over a 10-week period and included formal presentations, open group discussions, and supplemental brochures that focused on nutrition label interpretation, safe food practices, and healthy meal preparation. Anonymous pre- and post-intervention surveys were conducted to assess changes in participants’ nutrition knowledge and confidence. To evaluate implementation effectiveness and identify opportunities for future improvement, a Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle was completed. Results The project did not meet the targeted 20% increase in knowledge and confidence scores, but comparisons of pre- and post-intervention survey responses suggested participants’ overall knowledge score increased by one point on the Likert scale, from 4 (Agree) to 5 (Strongly Agree). Conclusion Although improvements were modest, this QI project demonstrated that community-based nutrition education is a feasible approach to promoting healthy eating among older adults who live in a low-income senior housing facility. Future QI initiatives should focus on increasing participant recruitment and retention as well as evaluate the sustainability of this project by assessing long-term changes in nutrition knowledge and confidence of participants.

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