Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 17, 2026

Multidisciplinary Approach to Obesity Management: A Case Report
Published on: May 30, 2025
Evaluating the implementation of peer counseling in a church-based dietary intervention for African Americans
Marlyn Allicock1, Marci K Campbell, Carmina G Valle
1University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Global Public Health and School of Medicine, 2004 Hooker, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA. allicock@email.unc.edu
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.
Related Concept Videos
Community Based Intervention
Foundations of Community Mental Health Programs
Central to the success of community-based interventions is the...
Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques VI
Motivation and Self-Determination
Motivation, the driving force behind behavior, plays a pivotal role at every stage of the change process. The research...
Self-Help Support Groups
Accessibility and Cost-Effectiveness
One of the primary strengths of self-help...
Role of Communication in the Nursing Process II: Planning and Implementation
Acute Coronary Syndrome IV: Interprofessional Care
