Web-Based Dissemination of a Civic Engagement Curriculum to Promote Healthy Eating and Active Living in Rural Towns: The eHEART Study.

Rebecca Seguin-Fowler,Meredith Graham,Madeleine Tom,Jimin Kim,Galen Eldridge,Urshila Sriram

doi:10.3390/ijerph17072571

Rebecca Seguin-Fowler, Meredith Graham + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17072571

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Abstract

Civic engagement interventions aimed at improving food and physical activity environments hold promise in addressing rural health disparities, but ensuring feasible and sustained dissemination remains a challenge. The present study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of a civic engagement curriculum adapted for online dissemination (Healthy Eating and Activity in Rural Towns (eHEART)). The eHEART curriculum and website were developed based on feedback from local health educators and community members. eHEART groups were facilitated by local Extension educators across three rural towns in three U.S. states (Montana, Wisconsin, and Alaska). Implementation feasibility was assessed through monthly project reports and interviews with educators. All eHEART groups successfully completed curriculum activities and met their project goals after nine months (November 2018 to July 2019). Groups ranged in size from 4 to 8 community residents and implemented varied strategies to improve aspects of their local food and/or physical activity environments. Facilitators of implementation included clear guidance on facilitating curriculum activities and the flexible and community-driven nature of eHEART projects. Recommended changes included more guidance on evaluating projects and contacting stakeholders as well as providing online tools and support for project management. Findings from this work have important implications for creating healthier rural environments. Local health educators and other community groups can feasibly use the eHEART curriculum to foster environmental changes that support healthy eating and active living.

Highlights

Rural populations in the United States experience higher rates of obesity and are less likely to engage in health-promoting behaviors than urban populations [1,2].These disparities are partly due to environmental constraints in rural areas, including limited access to nutritious foods and opportunities for physical activity [3,4]
Guided by community-based participatory research methods, the Healthy Eating and Activity in Rural Towns (HEART) Club civic engagement curriculum provides a step-wise process for rural residents to improve healthy eating and physical activity opportunities in their community
The present study describes the implementation and feasibility of the eHEART approach

Summary

Introduction

Rural populations in the United States experience higher rates of obesity and are less likely to engage in health-promoting behaviors (e.g., adequate diet, physical activity) than urban populations [1,2]. These disparities are partly due to environmental constraints in rural areas, including limited access to nutritious foods and opportunities for physical activity [3,4]. Guided by community-based participatory research methods, the Healthy Eating and Activity in Rural Towns (HEART) Club civic engagement curriculum provides a step-wise process for rural residents to improve healthy eating and physical activity opportunities in their community. PDF copy of full eHEART curriculum eHEART application form and guidelines Meetings

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