Evaluation of an Integrated Health Promotion Program for a low-income urban population: Findings and lessons learned

Objectives To evaluate a multicomponent pilot program for low-income individuals with, or at risk for, hypertension, diabetes, and/or overweight. Design Pre-post evaluation including baseline and follow-up assessments, satisfaction surveys, program utilization data, and focus groups. Sample The evaluation included 138 participants. The majority were Latinx (88%), female (82%), born outside the United States (80%), and had not graduated from high school (52%). The most common health conditions were hypertension (59%), overweight or obesity (55%), high cholesterol (53%), and diabetes (34%). Measurements Engagement in program activities, health indicators (e.g., blood pressure), and behavior change. Qualitative data focused on perceptions of the program and its impacts. Intervention The program offered a number of health promotion services, including consultation with a nurse and a community health worker (CHW), health and nutrition talks, subsidized farm shares, cooking classes, exercise classes, and home visits. Results There were improvements in general health, blood pressure, and knowledge and behavior related to disease management and healthy eating. Conclusions Program success was attributed to the wide range of complementary program components. The staffing model was also a strength: the CHW/nurse collaboration combined clinical expertise with cultural, language, and community knowledge to create a program that was accessible and empowering.