Assessing the Feasibility of a Multi-Program School-Based Intervention to Promote Physical Activity and Healthful Eating in Middle Schools prior to Wide-Scale Implementation (original) (raw)

2007, American Journal of Health Education

Background: University-community partnerships can support schools in implementing evidence-based responses to youth obesity trends. An interorganizational partnership was established to implement and evaluate the Healthy Choices Collaborative Intervention (HCCI). HCCI combines an interdisciplinary curriculum, before/after school activities, and the School Health Index to promote physical activity, reduce television viewing, and increase fruit and vegetable consumption among middle school youths. Purpose: A modifi ed rapid assessment process was used to explore potential infl uences on feasibility of implementing and sustaining HCCI before wide-scale implementation. Methods: Twenty-one in-depth interviews were conducted with administrators, program coordinators, and teachers who had experience with one or more of the intervention components. Results: Respondents believed combining programs would be benefi cial because of common behavioral goals. A key leader, an engaged, multidisciplinary team, and parental, community, and administrative support were viewed as being important for effective implementation. Respondents believed sustainability would be facilitated through resources for networking and refreshers on intervention components. Discussion: Findings resulted in hiring regional coordinators to assist schools in implementation, allowing schools fl exibility in implementation, and reducing the required number of Planet Health lessons and School Health Index modules. Translation to Health Education Practice: Findings illustrate the utility of rapid assessment procedures to gauge feasibility of combining multiple interventions before implementation. BACKGROUND Persistent increases in the prevalence 1 and earlier age at peak incidence of childhood overweight, 2 along with predictions of reduced life expectancy associated with overweight status, 3 have challenged researchers and practitioners to develop effective, sustainable interventions to avert the health and social consequences of said status. 4-7 In 2005, the Institute of Medicine called for immediate public health action based on the best available, rather than the best possible, evidence to address pediatric obesity trends. 8 Schools are important organizational set