Abstract PR01: Development and implementation of a church-based eHealth program to reduce obesity in Appalachian adults
Authors: Baltic Ryan , Paskett Electra D. , Lesko Samuel , Kennedy Stephenie , Lengerich Gene , Roberto Karen , Schoenberg Nancy , Dignan Mark 
Published: October 2015

Purpose: Significant disparities in incidence and mortality for cancers related to obesity have been identified in Appalachian adults compared to the entire US. The Appalachia Community Cancer Network (ACCN) partnered with churches in Kentucky, Ohio, Virginia, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania to conduct a community-based participatory research program with a goal of reducing obesity through environmental and individual change. The primary outcome is change in body mass index (BMI) from baseline to twelve months. Secondary outcomes include change in physical activity level, blood pressure and diet. The focus of this paper is on the development and implementation of the intervention program in thirteen churches across five states, maintenance of the program during the sustainability phase, and preliminary feedback on the intervention from participants.

Methods: The intervention program, Walk by Faith (WbF) was developed with input from focus groups and community advisory boards. The main component is the Faithfully Living Well (FLW) website that allows participants to upload steps from pedometers, track progress in walking and weight, health-related articles, recipes, forums, albums, and a rewards page – all tailored to each county. Comments from participants are recorded both on FLW and via email or paper. Comments were separated by phase and classified as either positive, neutral, requests for additional support, or reporting issues.

Ohio and Pennsylvania acted as a vanguard group, recruiting overweight adults one year prior to the other three states. Participants completed food frequency and physical activity questionnaires, biometric measurements (height, weight, blood pressure, resting heart rate, body image, waist and hip), and survey questions regarding their health behaviors, social support, and cancer history. Enrolled participants received Omron pedometers, string bags, CalorieKing pocket guides and food journals, and access to the FLW website. Monthly education sessions were held, as were church walks, physical activity and cooking classes, and a celebration event at the end of the 12-month intervention. Interventionists were employed to complete quarterly wellness plans with participants and assist with website use. Volunteer church navigators (CNs) within the churches coordinated monthly events with the help of staff. The sustainability phase started at the end of the 12-month period, when study staff distanced themselves from the program and CNs took over staff roles. Activities are suggested to CNs, CNs and participants decide type and frequency of activities, and CNs report on activities, attendance, and reception of events back to study staff.

Results: 429 intervention participants were enrolled from 13 churches. To date, 11 churches with 399 participants have moved to the sustainability phase. Participants have reported positive experiences and health benefits through voluntarily submitted success stories and comments on monthly process evaluations. Participants reported weight loss, increased fruit, vegetable and water intake, reduction in soda intake, and discontinuation of medications. Of the 194 comments received to date, 121 (62%) were positive comments about the program. The most common positive comments were about the quality of presentations (44%), materials and overall program (39%), and improved health status (7%). 15 comments (8%) requested additional support or communication from program leaders.

This abstract was also presented as Poster A14.

Citation Format: Ryan Baltic, Electra D. Paskett, Samuel Lesko, Stephenie Kennedy, Gene Lengerich, Karen Roberto, Nancy Schoenberg, Mark Dignan. Development and implementation of a church-based eHealth program to reduce obesity in Appalachian adults. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Seventh AACR Conference on The Science of Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; Nov 9-12, 2014; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2015;24(10 Suppl):Abstract nr PR01.