Process Evaluation of an Effective Church-Based Diet Intervention: Body & Soul

TLDR

The study evaluated how program exposure and implementation factors relate to outcomes and identified key elements for adoption, implementation, and maintenance of the Body & Soul intervention. The evaluation used surveys and interviews with participants and staff to assess dietary and psychosocial changes, program exposure, participation, dose, and perceptions of motivational interviewing calls. Higher attendance, material receipt, and quality MI calls were linked to improved diet, while interviews highlighted training and support gaps that inform future dissemination of Body & Soul.

Abstract

Body & Soul has demonstrated effectiveness as a dietary intervention among African American church members. The process evaluation assessed relationships between program exposure and implementation factors and study outcomes and characterized factors important for adoption, implementation, and maintenance. Data sources included participant surveys and qualitative interviews with program staff, church liaisons, and volunteer advisors who conducted motivational interviewing (MI) calls. Outcomes included changes in dietary intake and psychosocial variables. Process variables included program exposure, participation, and dose and perceptions about MI calls. Results showed that attendance at project events, receiving educational materials, and self-reported quality of the MI calls were associated with significantly ( p < .05) greater fruit and vegetable intake, decreased fat consumption, and other secondary outcomes. Interviews indicated implementation and sustainability issues and needs including more training to enhance MI implementation as well as ongoing support and resources. The results have implications for future dissemination efforts of Body & Soul.