1. Evaluation of a community-based, family focused healthy weights initiative using the RE-AIM framework.
- Author
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Jung ME, Bourne JE, and Gainforth HL
- Subjects
- Adolescent, Adult, Caregivers, Child, Community Health Services, Feeding Behavior, Female, Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice, Humans, Male, Parents, Self Efficacy, Social Support, Surveys and Questionnaires, Diet, Exercise, Family, Health Behavior, Health Promotion methods, Pediatric Obesity prevention & control, Program Evaluation
- Abstract
Background: Childhood overweight and obesity is a major public health concern. Community-based interventions have the potential to reach caregivers and children. However, the overall health impact of these programs is rarely comprehensively assessed. This study evaluated a physical activity and healthy eating family program (Healthy Together; HT) using the RE-AIM framework., Methods: Ten sites implemented the 5-week program. Thirty-nine staff members and 277 program participants (126 caregivers [M
age = 35.6] and 151 children [Mage = 13]) participated in the evaluation. Each RE-AIM dimension was assessed independently using a mixed-methods approach. Sources of data included archival records, interviews and surveys. Effectiveness outcome variables were assessed at pre- and post-intervention and 6-month follow-up., Results: Reach: HT participants were almost entirely recruited from existing programs within sites. Effectiveness: Caregivers' nutrition related efficacy beliefs increased following HT (ps < .03). Participation in HT was not associated with significant changes in physical activity or nutrition behaviour or perceived social support (ps > .05). Knowledge surrounding healthy diets and physical activity increased in children and caregivers (ps < .05). Adoption: Thirty-five percent of sites approached to implement HT expressed interest. The 10 sites selected recruited existing staff members to implement HT., Implementation: Program objectives were met 72.8% of the time and 71 adaptations were made. HT was finance- and time-dependent. Maintenance: Two sites fully implemented HT in the follow-up year and 5 sites incorporated aspects of HT into other programs., Conclusions: Working alongside organizations that develop community programs to conduct comprehensive, arms-length evaluations can systematically highlight areas of success and challenges. Overall HT represents a feasible community-based intervention; however further support is required in order to ensure the program is effective at positively targeting the desired outcomes. As a result of this evaluation, modifications are currently being implemented to HT.- Published
- 2018
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