Abstract
BackgroundUnderstanding levels of community readiness can result in prevention efforts that align with communities’ ability and capacity for change and, therefore, be more effective and sustainable. Our study aimed to use baseline (pre-intervention) community readiness scores to assist with the development of obesity prevention strategies, and to assess changes in community readiness over time (pre/post- intervention), to provide evidence of intervention impact.MethodOur study was located in a rural and remote area of Victoria, Australia. Community readiness was part of a broader obesity prevention intervention designed to create healthier food and physical activity environments through the combination of systems thinking and collaborative community-led solutions. Interviews were conducted using the community readiness to change tool in 2016 (pre) and 2018 (post) with a community representative sample. Baseline data informed the development of community relevant strategies and the pre/post results formed part of the overall evaluation.ResultsThe tool generated both quantitative and qualitative (quotes) data. A final readiness score was calculated that corresponded to one of the nine stages of readiness. Four of the five domains of the community readiness to change tool showed statistically significant improvements over time (p < 0.05): knowledge of effort, knowledge of issue, community climate, and leadership. The resources domain that did not improve pre/post intervention.ConclusionCommunity readiness to change interviews, pre- and post- intervention, provided essential information related to the appropriate targeting and pitch of the prevention strategies, as well as providing an overall evaluation of the positive movement in the community’s readiness to implement change.
Highlights
Understanding levels of community readiness can result in prevention efforts that align with communities’ ability and capacity for change and, be more effective and sustainable
Community readiness to change interviews, pre- and post- intervention, provided essential information related to the appropriate targeting and pitch of the prevention strategies, as well as providing an overall evaluation of the positive movement in the community’s readiness to implement change
Six fewer interviews were conducted at follow-up due to staff turnover (n = 2), staff leave (n = 1), restructuring of agencies thereby reducing overall positions (two health services amalgamated into one (n = 1), illness (n = 1) and one non-response (n = 1)
Summary
Understanding levels of community readiness can result in prevention efforts that align with communities’ ability and capacity for change and, be more effective and sustainable. Public health practitioners work with communities to mobilise prevention efforts. These efforts are most effective when tailored to the local context and when communities are empowered to make change [1]. Specific tools to assess readiness to address particular health problems, such as eating disorders, have been developed [8]. Beyond individual change strategies, setting specific tools have been developed, such as school readiness [9], or organisational level tools [10], to measure readiness through emotional, cognitive and intentions dimensions
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