Advancing Coalition Health Equity Capacity Using a Three-Dimensional Framework

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Community Health
• Health Equity Research

Background:

• Coalition health equity capacity is crucial for effective health promotion.
• A clear framework is needed to assess and build this capacity.
• Previous assessments lacked a multidimensional approach.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine coalition health equity capacity using a three-dimensional conceptual framework.
• To assess progress in capacity building among local health promotion coalitions.
• To evaluate the utility of a multidimensional framework for analyzing and building capacity.

Main Methods:

• A 3-year study (2011-2014) involving 28 local health promotion coalitions.
• Qualitative assessment of coalition health equity capacity using a framework with three dimensions: conceptual foundations, collective action and impact, and civic orientation.
• Analysis of coalition materials and archival documents at two time points to track capacity-building progress.

Main Results:

• Initial assessment showed mid-range conceptual foundations, above mid-range collective impact, and below mid-range civic orientation.
• Following training and technical assistance, a majority of coalitions demonstrated growth in health equity capacity across dimensions.
• The multidimensional framework effectively identified areas for improvement and tracked progress.

Conclusions:

• A multidimensional approach is valuable for analyzing coalition health equity capacity.
• This framework aids practical community capacity-building efforts.
• Enhancing coalition health equity capacity can lead to long-term improvements in health equity.