Evaluating the implementation of peer counseling in a church-based dietary intervention for African Americans

Allicock, Marlyn; Campbell, Marci K.; Valle, Carmina G.; Barlow, Jameta N.; Carr, Carol; Meier, Andrea; Gizlice, Ziya

doi:10.1016/j.pec.2009.11.018

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Volume 81, Issue 1 , Pages 37-42, October 2010

Evaluating the implementation of peer counseling in a church-based dietary intervention for African Americans

Marlyn Allicock
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA
- Corresponding author at: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Global Public Health and School of Medicine, 2004 Hooker, CB #7461, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA. Tel.: +1 919 843 9933; fax: +1 919 966 7215.
Marci K. Campbell
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA
Carmina G. Valle
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA
Jameta N. Barlow
- Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University, Durham, USA
Carol Carr
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA
Andrea Meier
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA
Ziya Gizlice
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA

Received 7 May 2009; received in revised form 13 October 2009; accepted 29 November 2009. published online 31 December 2009.

Abstract

Objective

Body & Soul, an evidence-based nutrition program for African Americans churches, is currently being disseminated nationally and free of charge by the National Cancer Institute. For dissemination feasibility, the peer counseling training is done via DVD rather than by live trainers. We describe implementation and process evaluation of the peer counseling component under real world conditions.

Methods

The study sample included 11 churches (6 early intervention, 5 delayed intervention) in 6 states. Data sources included training observations, post-training debriefing sessions, coordinator interviews, and church participant surveys. Survey data analysis examined associations between exposure to peer counseling and change in dietary intake. Qualitative data were analyzed using the constant comparative method.

Results

Eight of 11 churches initiated the peer counseling program. Recall of talking with a peer counselor was associated with significantly (p<.02) greater fruit and vegetable intake. Data indicate sub-optimal program execution after peer counselor training.

Conclusion

Inconsistent implementation of the peer counseling intervention is likely to dilute program effectiveness in changing nutrition behaviors.

Practice implications

Disseminating evidence-based programs may require added resources, training, quality control, and technical assistance for improving program uptake. Similar to earlier research phases, systematic efforts at the dissemination phase are needed for program success.

Keywords: Peer counseling, Dissemination, Minority health, Churches, Dietary intervention, Motivational interviewing