Online Program

285736
Evaluation of theory-based eating disorder prevention program: Triangulation of two methodologies to identify relationships between key theoretical constructs


Tuesday, November 5, 2013 : 4:50 p.m. - 5:10 p.m.

Laura Merrell, MPH, CPH, Department of Community and Family Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
Deborah Cragun, PhD, MS, Department of Community and Family Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
Jennifer Bleck, MPH, Department of Community and Family Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
Rita DeBate, PhD, MPH, FAED, FAAHB, Department of Community and Family Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
Herb Severson, PhD, Deschutes Research, Inc., Senior Research Scientist, Eugene, OR
Steve Christiansen, BA, InterVision Media, Eugene, OR
Anne Koerber, DDS, PhD, Pediatric Dentistry, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry, Chicago, IL
Scott L. Tomar, DMD, DrPH, Department of Community Dentistry and Behavioral Science, University of Florida College of Dentistry, Gainesville, FL
Kelli McCormack Brown, PhD, College of Health and Human Performance, University of Florida, Gainsville, FL
Lisa Tedesco, PhD, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
William Hendricson, MA, MS, Assistant Dean for Education and Faculty Development, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, San Antonio, TX
Oral Health Providers have an opportunity for early detection of disordered eating behaviors as they are often the first health professionals to observe overt signs. An intervention was developed, based on the Information Motivation Behavior (IMB) and Health Belief (HBM) Models, aimed at increasing secondary prevention (SP) behaviors among oral health students. As part of the larger RCT, this study's aim was to identify relationships between key theoretical mechanisms. Path analysis and qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) were employed to test interrelationships between IMB contingencies and HBM constructs. Path models were evaluated via fit indices, path coefficients, and variance explained in mediating variables and intervention outcome (self-efficacy). Fuzzy-set QCA necessity and truth table analyses determined exogenous theoretical constructs necessary and/or sufficient for high/low scores on mediating and outcome variables. Good model fit (CFI=.977; SRMR = 0.02) demonstrated and explained 38% of the variation in self-efficacy. Perceived barriers and benefits of SP, program, and year in program were observed with significant path coefficients to self-efficacy. QCA revealed high perceived severity of and susceptibility to disordered eating behaviors, and high perceived benefits of SP as necessary for high role beliefs. High role beliefs were deemed necessary but insufficient for low barriers to SP behaviors. Additionally, high perceived benefits and low barriers were sufficient for high self-efficacy among DH students (coverage = .57; consistency = .93). Triangulation clarified relationships between key theoretical mechanisms. QCA provided unique insights regarding construct relationships that is critical for informing intervention adaptation.

Learning Areas:

Advocacy for health and health education
Chronic disease management and prevention
Conduct evaluation related to programs, research, and other areas of practice
Implementation of health education strategies, interventions and programs
Social and behavioral sciences

Learning Objectives:
Describe the relationship between the Information Motivation Behavior (IMB) contingencies and Health Belief Model (HBM) constructs as they pertain to secondary prevention of eating disorders. Describe Structural Equation Modeling and Qualitative Comparative Analysis as complimentary methods for exploring relationships between and among theoretical constructs. Discuss the importance of triangulation of methods to explore relationships between theoretical constructs when evaluating theory-based interventions.

Keyword(s): Theory, Methodology

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered