Co-design and evaluation of a community program to promote healthy habits in vulnerable families
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14306/renhyd.30.4.2832Keywords:
1. Community-Based Participatory Research, 2. Health Promotion, 3. Exercise, 4. Diet, Mediterranean, 5. FamilyAbstract
Introduction: Dietary and physical activity habits are key determinants of health. The family plays a fundamental role in the acquisition of healthy lifestyles during childhood. This study aimed to co-design and implement the ALIAFF program and evaluate its effect on raising awareness, promoting, and consolidating healthy eating habits and regular physical activity in socially vulnerable families linked to the Socioeducational Intervention Services (SIS) of the social services of Osona (Catalonia, Spain).
Methods: A pilot quasi-experimental study with a control group was conducted in Osona. Participants included children aged 9-12 years and one adult from each family, all users of the SIS. The program consisted of five educational sessions on healthy eating and physical activity, co-designed with the stakeholders involved to ensure cultural and contextual appropriateness. Data were collected before and after the intervention on sociodemographic variables, adherence to the Mediterranean diet, physical activity level, dietary and physical-related skills, and self-perceived health. Program implementation was evaluated through adherence, fidelity, and satisfaction indicators.
Results: A total of 22 children and their families participated in the study (41 participants). The intervention group showed a significant improvement in adherence to the Mediterranean diet in both adults and children. An increase in moderate physical activity was observed among children, while adults in the control group showed an increase in weekly physical activity. Improvements were also observed in skills related to healthy eating and physical activity.
Conclusions: The ALIAFF program was a feasible and potentially effective community-based intervention for promoting healthy habits in vulnerable families. Participatory and shared learning spaces fostered reflection, intergenerational exchange, and the strengthening of family and community bonds, highlighting its potential as a preventive public health strategy.
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Copyright (c) 2020 Cristina Vaqué-Crusellas, Blanca Ribot, Sandra Rierola-Fochs, Anna Vila-Martí, Míriam Torres-Moreno, José Antonio Merchán-Baeza
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