Publication Date

2024

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

First Advisor

Barrett, Sheila

Degree Name

M.S. (Master of Science)

Legacy Department

School of Health Studies

Abstract

Purpose: This study determined the use of Community Based Participatory Research (CBPR) and guided the modification of the Whole Body Approach (WBA) health education program. The modified program was pilot tested and implemented among neighbors at Northern Illinois Food Bank. The impact of the modification was assessed via pre and post surveys. Background and significance: WBA is a 10-week program developed by faculty at Northern Illinois University and has been taught by graduate students in collaboration with the Northern Illinois Food Bank since 2016. The program is based on the Satter Eating Competence Model and Health at Every Size and has a focus on mindful and intuitive eating. The method of delivery has varied over the years, hybrid and in-person. Initially the program was taught in-person but switched to a hybrid model in 2020 following the COVID-19 pandemic. Recently, in fall 2022-spring 2024 the program reverted to in-person format. Following the return to in-person, the programs conducted in fall 2022 and spring 2023 showed no statistically significant effects based on pre and post surveys. The program was modified using CBPR to better meet participants' needs. Methods: This study was a mixed methods design utilizing both quantitative and qualitative data. The original program was modified in summer 2023 using CBPR and pilot tested in fall 2023. The final version of the modified program used in spring 2024 included two new lessons and 12 additional survey items. Pre- and post-surveys were collected from both the original and modified versions of the program. Paired t-tests were conducted to compare survey responses before and after program participation. Results: Three items from the modified survey were statistically significant (P < .05), with three items trended toward significance (P < .1), compared to only one marginally significant item from the original program. Content analysis of neighbor feedback collected during focus groups identified five common themes, including neighbors learning desired content and appreciating the simplicity of the lessons, neighbors feeling a sense of support and overall enjoyment of program activities, behavioral change, sharing information learned with friends and family, and requests for additional learning. Conclusion: Overall, using CBPR to modify the WBA program improved participants reported eating competency skills and mindfulness behaviors. CBPR can be used as a valuable tool in the development and restructuring of health education programs, as reflected by the modified WBA program.

Extent

182 pages

Language

en

Publisher

Northern Illinois University

Rights Statement

In Copyright

Rights Statement 2

NIU theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from Huskie Commons for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without the written permission of the authors.

Media Type

Text

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