Correlates of the sustainability of community-based heart health promotion interventions.
OBJECTIVE
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)).


CONCLUSIONS
Consideration of these factors by health promotion program planners could increase the potential for sustainability of health promotion interventions implemented in the community.
O'Loughlin
J
J
Public Health Department, Montreal General Hospital, Quebec, Canada. jenniol.epid.lan.mcgill.ca
Renaud
L
L
Richard
L
L
Gomez
L S
LS
Paradis
G
G
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002170:Canada; D003153:Community Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005260:Female; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006302:Health Services Research; D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016017:Odds Ratio; D015397:Program Evaluation; D015980:Public Health Practice; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires