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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Camila X. Romero, MD, Eric F. Chrisp, MA, Leslie Cunningham-Sabo, PhD, RD, Elverna Bennett, BA, Teresa Tenorio, BA, and Sally M. Davis, PhD. Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, University of New Mexico, MSC 11 6145 1 University Blvd. NE, 2703 Frontier RIB 1st floor, Albuquerque, NM 87131, 505-272-4462, CRomero@salud.unm.edu

Background: The gap between health promotion intervention success in research trials and its subsequent implementation in community settings is well documented. Participatory Action for Healthy Lifestyles (PAHL)is a three year prospective study that established partnerships with communities to develop a participatory model for dissemination of Pathways—an evidence-based nutrition and physical activity intervention for American Indian elementary schoolchildren. Methods: Qualitative research methods were used to investigate the processes of participatory research and dissemination of Pathways in this multiple-case study. Process data, 350 documents from multiple sources, including meeting transcripts, interviews of school personnel and partners, debriefings, and field site visit reports, were analyzed with QSR N6 software. Results: The key factors influencing participation in disseminating Pathways were: a previous, long-lasting relationship with the resource agent (researchers), existence of a change agent within the disseminating organization (community partners), a strong commitment to the community being served, and the formation of planning teams to develop dissemination strategies. Furthermore, evidence of implementation, adaptation, institutionalization and diffusion varied amongst the schools targeted by Pathways dissemination efforts and revealed the importance of key roles individuals play at the school, community, and research institution levels. Champions at the school level were crucial for the implementation and adoption of the curriculum component of Pathways, whereas the community partners were instrumental in disseminating the food service component. Conclusions: The case studies describing the participatory dissemination of a school based health promotion program will provide useful strategies for researchers and communities bridging the gap between science and practice.

Learning Objectives: 1.Describe stages in dissemination research

intent to adopt, implementation/adaptation, institutionalization and diffusion; identify Community Based Participatory Research (CBPR)approach to dissemination.
• Describe the process of participatory dissemination of a school based health promotion program in American Indian schools.
• Prioritize the development of dissemination models in the design of health promotion programs to improve methods for the translation of research to practice.

Keywords: Community-Based Health Promotion, Sustainability

Related Web page: hsc.unm.edu/pathways/

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered