Using the RE-AIM Framework in Formative Evaluation and Program Planning for a Nutrition Intervention in the Lower Mississippi Delta

Objective: Identification of prominent themes to be considered when planning a nutrition intervention using the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance framework. Design: Qualitative formative research. Setting: Women\u27s social and civic organizations in the Lower Mississippi Delta. Participants: Thirty-seven (5 white and 32 black) women with a college degree or higher. Phenomenon of Interest: Impact of dietary and contextual factors related to the Lower Mississippi Delta culture on intervention planning. Analysis: Case analysis strategy using question-by-question coding. Results: Major themes that emerged were healthy eating focus and promoting a healthy lifestyle when recruiting organizations (Reach); positive health changes as a result of the intervention (Effectiveness); logistics: time commitment, location, and schedule to initiate a program (Adoption); expense of healthy foods and cooking and meal planning as barriers to participation (Implementation); and resources and training and motivation as necessary for program continuation (Maintenance). The health of the Delta theme was found across all dimensions, which reflected participants\u27 compassion for their community. Conclusions and Implications: Results were used to develop an implementation plan promoting optimal reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance of a nutrition intervention. This research emphasizes the benefits of formative research using a systematic process at organizational and individual levels