Factors associated with the implementation of community-based peer-led health promotion programs: A scoping review. (June 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lorthios-Guilledroit, Agathe; Richard, Lucie; Filiatrault, Johanne
• Is Part Of: Evaluation and program planning. Volume 68(2018)
• Page Start: 19
• Page End: 33
• Publication Date: 2018-06
• Subjects: Implementation -- Health promotion -- Peer-led programs -- Scoping review -- Best fit framework synthesis; Health planning -- Periodicals; Medical care -- Evaluation -- Periodicals; 362.1068
• DOI: 10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2018.01.008
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0149-7189

Abstract

Highlights: This review highlights factors associated with peer-led health promotion program (HPP) implementation. A theoretical framework of peer-led HPP implementation is presented. Findings provide insights on optimal conditions for peer-led HPP implementation. Abstract: Peer education is growing in popularity as a useful health promotion strategy. However, optimal conditions for implementing peer-led health promotion programs (HPPs) remain unclear. This scoping review aimed to describe factors that can influence implementation of peer-led HPPs targeting adult populations. Five databases were searched using the keywords "health promotion/prevention", "implementation", "peers", and related terms. Studies were included if they reported at least one factor associated with the implementation of community-based peer-led HPPs. Fifty-five studies were selected for the analysis. The method known as "best fit framework synthesis" was used to analyze the factors identified in the selected papers. Many factors included in existing implementation conceptual frameworks were deemed applicable to peer-led HPPs. However, other factors related to individuals, programs, and implementation context also emerged from the analysis. Based on this synthesis, an adapted theoretical framework was elaborated, grounded in a complex adaptive system perspective and specifying potential mechanisms through which factors may influence implementation of community-based peer-led HPPs. Further research is needed to test the theoretical framework against empirical data. Findings from this scoping review increase our knowledge of the optimal conditions for implementing peer-led HPPs and thereby maximizing the benefits of such programs.