Correlates of the sustainability of community-based heart health promotion interventions

Prev Med. 1998 Sep-Oct;27(5 Pt 1):702-12. doi: 10.1006/pmed.1998.0348.

Abstract

Objectives: This study investigated factors related to the perceived sustainability of 189 heart health promotion interventions initiated by a public health department or research initiative and implemented in a variety of organizations across Canada.

Methods: Data were collected in a telephone survey of key informants from schools, restaurants, grocery stores, health care facilities, and sports facilities that had implemented a heart health promotion intervention (risk factor screening, courses for smoking cessation, healthy eating or physical activity, support groups to promote healthy lifestyles, environmental modification, dissemination of information) in the past 8 years.

Results: Overall, 43.6% of 189 interventions were perceived to be very permanent, 34.8% were somewhat permanent, and 21.5% were not permanent. Independent correlates of perceived sustainability included intervention used no paid staff (odds ratio (OR) 95% confidence interval (95% Cl) = 3.7 (1.8, 7.5)), intervention was modified during implementation (OR (95% Cl) = 2.7 (1.4, 5.0)), there was a good fit between the local provider and the intervention (OR (95% Cl) = 2.4 (1.2, 5.0)), and there was the presence of a program champion (OR (95% Cl) = 2.3 (1.2, 4.4)).

Conclusion: Consideration of these factors by health promotion program planners could increase the potential for sustainability of health promotion interventions implemented in the community.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Attitude to Health*
  • Canada
  • Community Health Services / organization & administration*
  • Female
  • Health Promotion / organization & administration*
  • Health Services Research
  • Heart Diseases / prevention & control*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Odds Ratio
  • Program Evaluation
  • Public Health Practice
  • Risk Factors
  • Surveys and Questionnaires