title: Promoting fruit and vegetable consumption among members of black churches, Michigan and North Carolina, 2008-2010.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Evidence-based health promotion programs that are disseminated in community settings can improve population health. However, little is known about how effective such programs are when they are implemented in communities. We examined community implementation of an evidence-based program, Body and Soul, to promote consumption of fruits and vegetables.
  
  
  METHODS
  We randomly assigned 19 churches to 1 of 2 arms, a colon cancer screening intervention or Body and Soul. We conducted our study from 2008 through 2010. We used the RE-AIM (reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance) framework to evaluate the program and collected data via participant surveys, on-site observations, and interviews with church coordinators and pastors.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Members of 8 churches in Michigan and North Carolina participated in the Body and Soul program. Mean fruit and vegetable consumption increased from baseline (3.9 servings/d) to follow-up (+0.35, P = .04). The program reached 41.4% of the eligible congregation. Six of the 8 churches partially or fully completed at least 3 of the 4 program components. Six churches expressed intention to maintain the program. Church coordinators reported limited time and help to plan and implement activities, competing church events, and lack of motivation among congregation members as barriers to implementation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The RE-AIM framework provided an effective approach to evaluating the dissemination of an evidence-based program to promote health. Stronger emphasis should be placed on providing technical assistance as a way to improve other community-based translational efforts.
authors.affiliation: The University of Texas, School of Public Health, Division of Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences, 5323 Harry Hines, V8.112, Dallas, TX 75390-9128, USA. Marlyn.A.Allicock@uth.tmc.edu
authors.forename: Marlyn
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Allicock
authors.forename: La-Shell
authors.initials: LS
authors.lastname: Johnson
authors.forename: Lucia
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Leone
authors.forename: Carol
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Carr
authors.forename: Joan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Walsh
authors.forename: Andi
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ni
authors.forename: Ken
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Resnicow
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Pignone
authors.forename: Marci
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Campbell
mesh_terms: D001741:Black or African American; D003110:Colonic Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000208:ethnology; D003256:Community Participation; D003376:Counseling; D004032:Diet / Q000208:ethnology; D005260:Female; D005638:Fruit; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008824:Michigan; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity; D009657:North Carolina; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012068:Religion and Medicine; D014675:Vegetables