Brian K Lo1, Meredith L Graham1, Galen Eldridge2, Maria R Donoso1, Sara C Folta3, David Strogatz4, Miriam E Nelson3, Lynn C Paul5, Stephen A Parry6, Rebecca A Seguin-Fowler2. 1. Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA. 2. Texas A&M AgriLife Research, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA. 3. Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA. 4. Bassett Research Institute, Bassett Healthcare Network, Cooperstown, New York, USA. 5. College of Education, Health and Human Development, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, USA. 6. Cornell Statistical Consulting Unit, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine (1) whether the Strong Hearts, Healthy Communities intervention (SHHC) improved social network members' (SNMs') weight, exercise, and diet and (2) whether SNMs' weight and behavioral changes were modified by their relationship closeness and/or spatial closeness with trial participants. METHODS: Eight towns received the SHHC intervention, which focused on building individual healthy behaviors and creating supportive social and built environments for exercise and healthy eating. Eight towns received an education-only control intervention. SNMs (n = 487) were recruited to complete a questionnaire at baseline and at 6 months that asked about demographics, weight, height, exercise, and eating habits. RESULTS: SHHC's effect on SNMs differed depending on their relationship closeness with trial participants. Among SNMs who had a very close relationship with trial participants, those associated with the intervention group lost more weight and decreased BMI more than those associated with the control group (weight [kilograms] between-group difference: Δ = -1.68; 95% CI: -3.10 to -0.25; P = 0.021; BMI between-group difference: Δ = -0.60; 95% CI: -1.16 to -0.04; P = 0.034). Spatial closeness did not modify any of SHHC's ripple effects. CONCLUSIONS: Relationship closeness, rather than spatial closeness, played an important role in influencing a rural community-based intervention's ripple effects.
RCT Entities:
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine (1) whether the Strong Hearts, Healthy Communities intervention (SHHC) improved social network members' (SNMs') weight, exercise, and diet and (2) whether SNMs' weight and behavioral changes were modified by their relationship closeness and/or spatial closeness with trial participants. METHODS: Eight towns received the SHHC intervention, which focused on building individual healthy behaviors and creating supportive social and built environments for exercise and healthy eating. Eight towns received an education-only control intervention. SNMs (n = 487) were recruited to complete a questionnaire at baseline and at 6 months that asked about demographics, weight, height, exercise, and eating habits. RESULTS: SHHC's effect on SNMs differed depending on their relationship closeness with trial participants. Among SNMs who had a very close relationship with trial participants, those associated with the intervention group lost more weight and decreased BMI more than those associated with the control group (weight [kilograms] between-group difference: Δ = -1.68; 95% CI: -3.10 to -0.25; P = 0.021; BMI between-group difference: Δ = -0.60; 95% CI: -1.16 to -0.04; P = 0.034). Spatial closeness did not modify any of SHHC's ripple effects. CONCLUSIONS: Relationship closeness, rather than spatial closeness, played an important role in influencing a rural community-based intervention's ripple effects.
Authors: Floor Aarts; Nalini N E Radhakishun; Mariska van Vliet; Rinie Geenen; Ines A von Rosenstiel; Chris Hinnen; Jos H Beijnen; Dees P M Brandjes; Michaela Diamant; Victor E A Gerdes Journal: J Am Board Fam Med Date: 2015 Jan-Feb Impact factor: 2.657
Authors: Rebecca A Seguin; Lynn Paul; Sara C Folta; Miriam E Nelson; David Strogatz; Meredith L Graham; Anna Diffenderfer; Galen Eldridge; Stephen A Parry Journal: Obesity (Silver Spring) Date: 2018-04-10 Impact factor: 5.002
Authors: Sara C Folta; Lynn Paul; Miriam E Nelson; David Strogatz; Meredith Graham; Galen D Eldridge; Michael Higgins; David Wing; Rebecca A Seguin-Fowler Journal: Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act Date: 2019-10-25 Impact factor: 6.457