Integrating an ecological approach into an Aboriginal community-based chronic disease prevention program: a longitudinal process evaluation
2011

Ecological Approach in Aboriginal Community Health Program

Sample size: 215 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Cargo Margaret, Marks Elisabeth, Brimblecombe Julie, Scarlett Maria, Maypilama Elaine, Dhurrkay Joanne Garnggulkpuy, Daniel Mark

Primary Institution: University of South Australia

Hypothesis

The intervention would become more ecological across the three intervention years.

Conclusion

The study found that while community commitment to prevention was high, the program did not become more ecological over time.

Supporting Evidence

  • The program implemented 215 activities over three years.
  • Participants were primarily recruited through organizational settings.
  • Community commitment to prevention was demonstrated through the quantity of activities.

Takeaway

This study looked at how a community worked together to prevent diseases like diabetes and heart disease, but they didn't get better at using ecological methods over time.

Methodology

Data was collected through interviews and participant observation over three years, using a standardized ecological coding procedure.

Potential Biases

Potential biases due to the high turnover of non-Aboriginal staff and cultural differences affecting collaboration.

Limitations

Logistical challenges and a lack of community coordination hindered the integration of an ecological approach.

Participant Demographics

Participants were from a remote multilingual Aboriginal community with a population of approximately 2,500.

Statistical Information

P-Value

<0.0001

Confidence Interval

(0.58, 0.94)

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2458-11-299

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