ERIC Number: EJ998035
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2013-Feb
Pages: 10
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0016-9013
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Available Date: N/A
Training of Lay Health Educators to Implement an Evidence-Based Behavioral Weight Loss Intervention in Rural Senior Centers
Krukowski, Rebecca A.; Lensing, Shelly; Love, ShaRhonda; Prewitt, T. Elaine; Adams, Becky; Cornell, Carol E.; Felix, Holly C.; West, Delia
Gerontologist, v53 n1 p162-171 Feb 2013
Purpose of the Study: Lay health educators (LHEs) offer great promise for facilitating the translation of evidence-based health promotion programs to underserved areas; yet, there is little guidance on how to train LHEs to implement these programs, particularly in the crucial area of empirically validated obesity interventions. Design and Methods: This article describes experiences in recruiting, training, and retaining 20 LHEs who delivered a 12-month evidence-based behavioral lifestyle intervention (based on the Diabetes Prevention Program) in senior centers across a rural state. A mixed method approach was used which incorporated collecting the following: quantitative data on sociodemographic characteristics of LHEs; process data related to training, recruitment, intervention implementation, and retention of LHEs; and a quantitative program evaluation questionnaire, which was supplemented by a qualitative program evaluation questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were calculated for quantitative data, and qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis. Results: The training program was well received, and the LHEs effectively recruited participants and implemented the lifestyle intervention in senior centers following a structured protocol. Implications: The methods used in this study produced excellent long-term retention of LHEs and good adherence to intervention protocol, and as such may provide a model that could be effective for others seeking to implement LHE-delivered health promotion programs.
Descriptors: Health Promotion, Prevention, Evidence, Intervention, Measures (Individuals), Recruitment, Rural Areas, Content Analysis, Program Evaluation, Obesity, Older Adults, Community Centers, Statistical Analysis, Questionnaires, Models, Health Education, Training, Lay Teachers, Behavior Change
Oxford University Press. Great Clarendon Street, Oxford, OX2 6DP, UK. Tel: +44-1865-353907; Fax: +44-1865-353485; e-mail: jnls.cust.serv@oxfordjournals.org; Web site: http://gerontologist.oxfordjournals.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
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Authoring Institution: N/A
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Author Affiliations: N/A