The role and influence of 'champions' in a community-based lifestyle risk modification programme.
This article describes the training and implementation of the Waist Disposal Challenge in service clubs in Western Australia in 2009-2010. Ninety-three Champions from 52 clubs were trained to deliver educational presentations to 1100 peers and facilitate a BMI competition among 764 peers. Champions reported significant improvements in their knowledge and confidence to motivate their peers to make changes to their diet and physical activity with 82% of participants completing the BMI competition and on average 58% experiencing and sustaining a BMI reduction for 12 months. It is evident that the Champions had influenced the uptake and success of the intervention.
Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute (CHIRI), Curtin University of Technology, Australia. s.aoun@curtin.edu.au
Samar M
SM
Aoun
Shaouli
S
Shahid
Linda
L
Le
Tanya L
TL
Packer
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015992:Body Mass Index; D019058:Community Networks; D003163:Competitive Behavior / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000517:prevention & control; D040242:Risk Reduction Behavior; D014904:Western Australia