Use of an Implementation Research Framework in Community-Engaged Dietary Intervention

Abstract

Introduction

African-Americans have an increased risk for diet-related diseases. Cooking is a dietary behavior that increases self-efficacy and social support, factors shown to be efficacious in optimizing diet. However, the overall inclusion of African-Americans within dietary interventions remains a key gap area for addressing diet-related disparities. The use of implementation frameworks, such as RE-AIM (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance) for planning interventions may assist in improving inclusion of African-American predominate communities in dietary interventions.

Methods

DC COOKS is a community-engaged cooking behavior intervention in Washington, D.C. The study population (n=35) are AfricanAmerican adults living within a low food access area with at least one reported risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). The study was developed with a community advisory board, formative research including focus groups (n=20) and community-wide recruitment strategies were conducted. A review of study planning, formative research and recruitment strategies were evaluated according to REAIM framework to inform potential implementation.

Results

Community Reach was demonstrated by representation of individuals from multiple segments of the neighborhood areas in the study. Effectiveness and adoption by measuring quality of life, economic costs, post-intervention acceptability, and organization interest in adopting the intervention. Implementation and Maintenance will be aided by the use of technology for intervention delivery, inclusion of community food organizations and nutrition education to participants.

Conclusion

Use of the RE-AIM framework for planning a dietary intervention may aid in the inclusion of African-Americans living within a low food access area in dietary interventions and community-level implementation of the intervention.