A methodology for evaluating organizational change in community-based chronic disease interventions

Area of Science:

• Community Health Interventions
• Public Health Program Evaluation
• Socioecological Models in Health

Background:

• Monterey County Health Department received a Steps to a HealthierUS grant to reduce diabetes, asthma, and obesity in Salinas, California.
• Salinas is a medically underserved community with a high prevalence of obesity and poor health outcomes, primarily among Mexican American residents.
• Partnerships were formed with traditional and novel organizations, including schools, clinics, faith-based groups, agricultural employers, and local businesses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and implement site-specific, community-focused partner surveys to assess intermediate outcomes.
• To augment nationally mandated surveys required for long-term outcome assessment.
• To evaluate changes in organizational practices and policies using the Spectrum of Prevention.

Main Methods:

• Development of new, site-specific surveys by the health department and Stanford Prevention Research Center.
• Application of the socioecological model, specifically the Spectrum of Prevention, to survey design.
• Assessment of intermediate outcomes through partner surveys to complement national surveys.

Main Results:

• Surveys identified promising new partners and prioritized those in high-need neighborhoods.
• Data were generated for evaluating intermediate outcomes aligned with national long-term outcomes.
• Quantitative and qualitative data provided insights into policy and organizational changes and partnership opportunities.

Conclusions:

• Site-specific partner surveys are valuable for guiding local public health program efforts.
• These surveys enable the assessment of intermediate outcomes, complementing national long-term outcome data.
• Developing tailored surveys strengthens community partnerships and enhances intervention effectiveness.