Evaluating the implementation of peer counseling in a church-based dietary intervention for African Americans

ObjectiveBody & Soul, an evidence-based nutrition program for African Americans churches, is currently being disseminated nationally and free of charge by the National Cancer Institute. For dissemination feasibility, the peer counseling training is done via DVD rather than by live trainers. We describe implementation and process evaluation of the peer counseling component under real world conditions.MethodsThe study sample included 11 churches (6 early intervention, 5 delayed intervention) in 6 states. Data sources included training observations, post-training debriefing sessions, coordinator interviews, and church participant surveys. Survey data analysis examined associations between exposure to peer counseling and change in dietary intake. Qualitative data were analyzed using the constant comparative method.ResultsEight of 11 churches initiated the peer counseling program. Recall of talking with a peer counselor was associated with significantly (p < .02) greater fruit and vegetable intake. Data indicate sub-optimal program execution after peer counselor training.ConclusionInconsistent implementation of the peer counseling intervention is likely to dilute program effectiveness in changing nutrition behaviors.Practice implicationsDisseminating evidence-based programs may require added resources, training, quality control, and technical assistance for improving program uptake. Similar to earlier research phases, systematic efforts at the dissemination phase are needed for program success.