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Title: Using the RE-AIM framework in formative evaluation and program planning for a nutrition intervention in the Lower Mississippi Delta

Author
item HUYE, HOLLY - University Of Southern Mississippi
item CONNELL, CAROL - University Of Southern Mississippi
item CROOK, LASHAUNDREA - University Of Southern Mississippi
item YADRICK, KATHY - University Of Southern Mississippi
item ZOELLNER, JAMIE - University Of Southern Mississippi

Submitted to: Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/17/2013
Publication Date: 1/1/2014
Citation: Huye, H.F., Connell, C.L., Crook, L.B., Yadrick, K., Zoellner, J. 2014. Using the RE-AIM framework in formative evaluation and program planning for a nutrition intervention in the Lower Mississippi Delta. Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior. 46(1):34-42.

Interpretive Summary: The objective of this research project was to identify themes to be considered when planning a nutrition intervention using the RE-AIM (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance) framework. Focus groups with women's social and civic organizations in the Lower Mississippi Delta (LMD) were conducted. The major themes that emerged from the focus group discussions included Healthy Eating Focus and Promote Healthy Lifestyle when recruiting organizations (Reach); Positive Health Changes as a result of the intervention (Effectiveness); Logistics: Time Commitment, Location, Schedule to initiate a program (Adoption); Expense of Healthy Foods and Cooking & Meal Planning were cited as barriers to participation (Implementation); and Resources & Training, and Motivation were cited as necessary for program continuation (Maintenance). Our results were used to develop an implementation plan promoting optimal reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance of nutrition intervention with the Lower Mississippi Delta women's social and civic organizations. This research emphasizes the benefits of using a systematic process to plan for an effective nutrition intervention at both the organizational and individual levels.

Technical Abstract: The objective of this study is the identification of prominent themes to be considered when planning a nutrition intervention using the RE-AIM (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance) framework. Qualitative formative research was used on women's social and civic organizations in the Lower Mississippi Delta (LMD). Thirty-seven (5 white and 32 black) women with a college degree or higher participated in the study. The phenomenon of interest was the impact of dietary and contextual factors related to the LMD culture on intervention planning. Case analysis strategy using question-by-question coding was used. The major themes that emerged included: Healthy Eating Focus and Promote Healthy Lifestyle when recruiting organizations (Reach); Positive Health Changes as a result of the intervention (Effectiveness); Logistics: Time Commitment, Location, Schedule to initiate a program (Adoption); Expense of Healthy Foods and Cooking & Meal Planning (cited as barriers to participation) (Implementation); and Resources & Training, and Motivation (cited as necessary for program continuation) (Maintenance). Health of the Delta theme was found across all dimensions, reflecting participants' compassion for their community. Results were used to develop an implementation plan promoting optimal reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance of a nutrition intervention. This research emphasizes the benefits of formative research using a systematic process at organizational and individual levels.