Promoting health in Italian Schools. Qualitative approach to evaluate community-based interventions. (30th September 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Scardetta, P; Palermo, V; Luzi, I; Nardone, P; Buoncristiano, M; Sipone, S; Dittami, A; De Mei, B
• Is Part Of: European journal of public health. Volume 30(2020)Supplement 5
• Publication Date: 2020-09-30
• Subjects: Epidemiology -- Europe -- Periodicals; Public health -- Europe -- Periodicals; 362.109405
• DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckaa166.423
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1101-1262

Abstract

Abstract: "Genitori peer" Working Group Abstract: Introduction: The project 'Peer education as a tool to engage families and schools in health lifestyles promotion', funded by the Ministry of Health, is a community-based intervention, implemented in kindergarten and primary school in 4 Italian Regions. Its participatory approach is the main key to actively involve the community and strengthen its role to promote healthy choices and reduce health inequalities. Qualitative assessment approach, by exploring, analysing, describing the context characteristics and factors involved in the implementation, is fundamental to highlight the feasibility and support the replicability of the intervention. Methods: A previous experience carried out by the Local Health Unit Napoli 1 (LHU Na1) was evaluated to rebuild its development process and highlight its implementation strengths and weaknesses. Semi-structured interviews and Focus Groups (FGs) will be carried out in schools participating in the project: ex-ante evaluation: interviews to Headmaster, to assess socio-economic school context, school-family interactions, and school needs; ex-post evaluation: FGs with parents, school staff and involved health professionals respectively, to assess implementation strategies in different socio-economic contexts. Interviews and FGs data will be recorded and analysed according to qualitative methodology, using NVivo12. Results: As preliminary evaluation, 4 FGs were carried out at LHU Na1, involving 34 people. The data are currently being categorised and analysed, in order to define subsequent activities. Conclusions: Qualitative assessment allows to describe and study phenomena based on the experiences of those actively taking part in the actions, in order to explain underlying processes. This methodology permits to explore the contexts of intervention, highlighting their needs, resources, barriers, motivations and expectations, and to design actions that necessitate community support. Key messages: Community-based actions require a qualitative approach to analyse the processes and identify the outcomes. Community participation is an effective strategy to reach people and tackle health inequalities.