Effectiveness of a capacity-building program for community leaders in a healthy living environment: a randomized community-based intervention in rural Vietnam

This randomized controlled study was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of an educational program entitled 'Capacity building for community leaders in a healthy living environment,' and to assess the usefulness of a participatory style of education and the applicability of an intersectoral approach in the educational process. An intervention group and a control group (consisting of 150 and 154 community leaders, respectively) were both evaluated, after the intervention group took part in a 5-day participatory-style educational program. Healthy living environment promotion competency (HPC) was evaluated by an instrument consisted of four competency areas: identifying the steps required for a healthy living environment; understanding the principles to reduce potential health risks; providing public health management to improve the living environment; and applying the principles of health communication skills. Scores between the intervention and control groups were examined to identify changes between the baseline and post-intervention periods. A qualitative evaluation of the educational program by participants and facilitators was conducted to assess the appropriateness of the intervention. The results indicated significant increases in the total HPC score and scores of individual HPC competency areas in the intervention group. Thus, the effectiveness of a capacity building program for community leaders in a healthy living environment was demonstrated. Qualitative evaluation revealed that the participatory-style and intersectoral collaboration approach facilitated the educational process. Community leaders, who are representatives of various sectors and mass organizations within the community, can be important implementers in the promotion of a healthy living environment.