P169 - Exploring Quality Assessment in Community-Based Nutrition Education

Abstract

Background (Background, Rationale, Prior Research, and/or Theory): Quality of program delivery is a major component in community-based nutrition education and is also considered “an art and a science”; and while this is associated with positive outcomes, little is known about how the quality of implementation is assessed in community nutrition programs. Padres Preparados, Jóvenes Saludables (PPJS) is a federally funded, longitudinal prevention intervention. We focus on strengthening family-skills of immigrant Latino parents (especially fathers) of adolescents, aimed to promote healthy energy balance-related behaviors. Objective: We explored quality of implementation during a pilot evaluation in spring 2017, using a multi-prong approach: principles-based fidelity, attendance, and participant reaction: interest, relevance, comfort level, and satisfaction. Description: We conducted live observation of a sub-set of sessions with a check-list of “core concepts”. Facilitators answered questions regarding participant engagement and understanding of concepts presented. Participants completed a session evaluation that assessed understanding of core concepts presented (knowledge), and facilitator rapport. We aimed to assess adherence but also other site-specific nuances associated with learning and key outcomes. Evaluation: Of the 13 participating families (fathers), most attended six sessions. In total, parents completed 109 after-session (one-page) evaluation forms. Most (90%) indicated class sessions were somewhat or very useful, somewhat or very interesting, and that participants felt comfortable sharing opinions. Most (94%) of their responses rated facilitators as supportive and as having addressed participants' needs and interests. Conclusions and Implications: This process evaluation findings illustrate quality implementation assessment. Overall facilitators had high levels of facilitation skills. The principle-based fidelity addressed the necessity, not only to capture adherence, but also whether the program has been able to achieve the desired results. It also provided insight to implementation that allows for adaptability to “real life” situations without loss of effectiveness. However, it called for a highly-skilled evaluator and developing the indicators of that can be broadly used in community settings. Funding: USDA.