Successful dissemination of Fun 5 — a physical activity and nutrition program for children

Abstract

Examine the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance (RE-AIM) of an evidence-based physical activity and nutrition curriculum disseminated to after-school programs. Program components included nutrition, physical activity, and sustainability, adapted to after-school settings and disseminated across 4 years (2004-2008). The RE-AIM framework was used to evaluate dissemination quality through direct observations, surveys, and interviews. In the final year, the Fun 5 program was implemented in 90% (>22,000 students) of Hawai'i after-school sites. Despite substantial annual increases in program reach, implementation and adoption remained consistently effective, and students' physical activity levels during program activities peaked in the final year. Further, evaluations demonstrated strong long-term program sustainability potential. The Fun 5 program demonstrated promise for long-term maintenance with potential for a public health impact among Hawai`i after-school students. Future emphasis on wide-spread program dissemination is encouraged, bridging research and community efforts to improve our children's health and impact public health.