Tag: Evaluation Services

NuVal Pilot Study in Ansonia Schools

Title:NuVal Pilot Study in Ansonia Schools
Status:Completed
Topic:Evaluation Services
Funding Source:Connecticut State Department of Education
Funding Period:2013-2014
Study Design:Pre/post study, combined with a qualitative evaluation using focus groups
Purpose:The Ansonia Public Schools in received a grant to implement and evaluate a nutrition rating system to guide students’ cafeteria food selections and school food service purchases from vendors. The rating system used was the NuVal Nutritional Scoring System, which assigns a score of 1 to 100 to foods based on their overall nutritional value. The PRC provided technical support and evaluation services, which focused on whether educating students about NuVal and posting the scores next to cafeteria foods would lead to changes in school food purchases that reflect a trade-up to foods with higher nutritional value. 
Further Study Details:NuVal scores were posted for most menu items available to students in the cafeterias of all four schools (two elementary, 1 middle school, 1 high school), and also for vending machine items at the middle and high schools. The evaluation included pre- and post- intervention data, including the types of foods selected by students in the cafeteria line, and which foods they actually ate rather than discarded in the trash. Focus groups were also conducted with students to learn about their awareness, understanding, and reported use of the system.  
Findings:Data analyses did not reveal any significant impact of the intervention on students’ selection of entrees, drinks, or sandwich toppings. There was a small but significant increase in selection of side dishes in the lowest NuVal score quintile. Many food items in the school cafeterias, despite meeting federal and state nutrition guidelines, had NuVal scores that were relatively low, thereby limiting opportunities to choose higher-scoring items. Therefore, we did not expect to see substantial change in sales of foods according to their NuVal scores.  
Eligibility:Students in elementary, middle school, and high school in the Ansonia Public Schools
Changed at:3/2/2017 9:40 AMChanged by:Lisa Seaberg
Created at:3/2/2017 9:40 AMCreated by:Lisa Seaberg

Evaluation of the Full Plate Diet Weight Loss Work Site Program

Title:Evaluation of the Full Plate Diet Weight Loss Work Site Program
Status:Completed
Topic:Evaluation Services
Funding Source:The Lifestyle Center of America
Funding Period:2011-2013
Study Design:Pre/post study
Purpose:The PRC conducted an evaluation of the Lifestyle Center of America’s Full Plate Diet weight loss worksite program. The Lifestyle Center, a 501c3 non-profit, developed the diet based on its experience in operating a health retreat center in Oklahoma. The Full Plate Diet, available in a New York Times bestselling book, shows people how they can lose weight by increasing their intake of natural fiber-rich foods, since fiber contributes to satiety while providing virtually no calories.
Further Study Details:The evaluation examined the impact of their worksite program on weight, anthropometric measures, and quality of life in overweight adults. We compared their baseline data with data from 3 time points (4, 6 and 12 months) after the start of the program. Participants were predominantly female (63%), with a mean age of 43 years, mean weight of 210.4 lb., mean body mass index (BMI) of 34.1, and mean waist circumference of 42.7 inches at baseline.  
Findings:The Full Plate Diet improved participants’ body weight and waist circumference, although changes in body weight appeared to be retained over time only among participants who were overweight rather than obese. Due to inconsistencies in collection of participants’ diet records at the worksites, we were unable to determine whether the participants had made significant changes in their daily intake in calories or fiber.
Eligibility:Overweight adults employed at 4 worksites in Texas and Oklahoma. 
Changed at:3/2/2017 9:22 AMChanged by:Lisa Seaberg
Created at:3/2/2017 9:22 AMCreated by:Lisa Seaberg

Effects of a Cognitive Behavior Therapy-Based Immersion Obesity Treatment Program for Adolescents on Weight, Fitness, and Cardiovascular Risk Factors: a Pilot Study

Title:Effects of a Cognitive Behavior Therapy-Based Immersion Obesity Treatment Program for Adolescents on Weight, Fitness, and Cardiovascular Risk Factors: a Pilot Study
Status:Completed
Topic:Evaluation Services
Funding Source:Mindstream Academy; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Funding Period:2011-2012
Study Design:Pre/post design
Purpose:While obesity among children and adolescents in the U.S. has leveled off in recent years, severe cases have continued to rise. Comprehensive, residential treatment for severe obesity in adolescents may be an alternative to bariatric surgery and more efficacious than outpatient treatment. This pilot study evaluated the effects of an immersion program for adolescents on body mass index (BMI), physical fitness, blood pressure, and serum lipids. 
Further Study Details:The PRC served as evaluator, but was not involved in the intervention. Participants were adolescents enrolled in an immersion program at the Mindstream Academy in South Carolina during either the spring (for 14 weeks) or fall (for 18 weeks) of 2011. Intervention components included behavioral counseling, food and nutrition, exercise, and academics. The calorie content of meals and snacks was based on each student’s baseline weight. Nutrition, gardening, and culinary courses were provided. The exercise combined aerobic and high intensity training. The counseling included cognitive behavioral therapy, equine assisted psychotherapy, and biofeedback. Students also received an accredited online academic home school curriculum, along with tutoring from classroom teachers. 
Findings:All 12 students (11 girls, 1 boy) who were enrolled in the immersion program during either the spring or fall of 2011 took part in the study. Their average age was 15.2 years, and their baseline BMIs were above the 95th percentile.  By the end of the program, there were significant improvements in BMI z-score, percent overweight, waist circumference, LDL cholesterol, and the time required to run 1 mile.  This study suggests that the tested program may be effective, at least in the short term. A randomized controlled trial would be needed to further assess this model.
Eligibility:Male and female adolescents enrolled in an immersion program at the Mindstream Academy, who had a BMI of at least the 89th percentile for age and gender. 
Changed at:3/2/2017 10:01 AMChanged by:Lisa Seaberg
Created at:3/2/2017 10:01 AMCreated by:Lisa Seaberg

Drug-Free Communities Support Program Evaluation

Title:Drug-Free Communities Support Program Evaluation
Status:Completed
Topic:Evaluation Services
Funding Source:Valley Substance Abuse Action Council (VSAAC)
Funding Period:2007-2012
Purpose:Starting in1994, The Valley Substance Abuse Action Council (VSAAC, now known as the Alliance for Prevention and Wellness, a program of BHcare) administered a Survey of Student Needs every other year to 7th, 9th and 11th grade students in the Lower Naugatuck Valley. The survey includes questions about: drug, alcohol and tobacco use; sports and club participation; risky behaviors; and attitudes about school policies concerning drugs and alcohol.From 2007-2012, the PRC served as an evaluator for this survey, which was administered to several thousand students throughout the Valley. The PRC analyzed the data, provided the survey results, and worked with the VSAAC team to help interpret the results in a meaningful way.
Findings:Findings from each survey were reported at the time on the website for VSAAC, which is now known as the Alliance for Prevention and Wellness. 
Eligibility:N/A
Changed at:3/2/2017 6:33 AMChanged by:Lisa Seaberg
Created at:8/31/2010 9:46 AMCreated by:Griffin Hospital

Cancer Survivorship Pilot Program (Griffin Hospital study)

Title:Cancer Survivorship Pilot Program (Griffin Hospital study)
Status:Completed
Topic:Evaluation Services
Funding Source:Valley Community Foundation
Funding Period:2012-2013
Purpose:Patients who have recently completed cancer treatment often face challenges such as fatigue, insomnia, pain, neuropathy, anxiety, depression, reduced libido, financial stress, and/or fear of cancer recurrence. Griffin Hospital developed and pilot-tested a patient-centered Cancer Survivorship Program. It was designed to educate participants about the risks for long-term side effects of cancer treatment, and connect them to available treatments and resources to help improve their quality of life. The PRC served as evaluator to help assess the program’s viability.
Further Study Details:The program included nutrition counseling, specialized physical therapy, exercise classes, psychosocial care, spirituality/pastoral care, and referral to available treatments and resources. Participants’ self-reported quality of life was assessed at baseline and 3 months after program initiation with a Quality of Life Cancer Survivors Scale.
Findings:A total of 32 recently-treated breast cancer patients completed the program. Self-reported levels of physical well-being and quality of life improved significantly by the time of their second visit compared to their initial visit. While the exercise and nutrition components were considered particularly useful, some patients felt they did not want or need all of the program components, and might have benefited from a program tailored to their individual needs. At the Cancer Center, communication has since been enhanced, with medical specialists regularly referring patients to the Survivorship program. Incoming patients meet with a social worker and oncology-certified nurse, who arrange for individual program components that best meet their needs. 
Eligibility:Residents of Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Derby, Oxford, Seymour, and Shelton who had completed active treatment for breast cancer at Griffin’s Center for Cancer Care.
Changed at:3/2/2017 8:20 AMChanged by:Lisa Seaberg
Created at:3/2/2017 8:20 AMCreated by:Lisa Seaberg

Bridges…A Community Support System, Inc.: Services for Technical Assistance & Evaluation

Title:Bridges…A Community Support System, Inc.: Services for Technical Assistance & Evaluation
Status:Completed
Topic:Evaluation Services
Funding Source:Bridges … A Community Support System, Inc., Milford, CT
Funding Period:2010-2012
Purpose:The purpose was to evaluate activities conducted as part of a grant awarded to the Milford Prevention Council, which includes Bridges of Milford as a member. Bridges is the state-designated Local Mental Health Authority for Milford, Orange and West Haven, providing comprehensive mental health services and addiction recovery programs for adults, children and families. The Milford Prevention Council – a coalition of professionals working to prevent and reduce substance use among youth – had determined a need in the Milford community to enforce laws and policies around underage drinking, educate the community about substance use and abuse, and provide more comprehensive prevention programming.  
Further Study Details:The grant activities for which the PRC served as evaluator included:  (1) training sessions for bar and restaurant employees on dealing with alcohol-related incidents; (2) a forum for retail establishments to address issues regarding the availability of alcohol to minors; (3) two forums on underage drinking for 9th grade students and their parents; and (4) a survey of middle and high school students to determine attitudes and behaviors regarding alcohol, tobacco, and recreational drug use. PRC staff attended planning meetings as needed; developed process and outcomes evaluation plans and instruments; established data collection protocols; conducted data analyses; and prepared reports of activities and findings.  
Findings:Results of the evaluation helped the Milford Prevention Council to determine the impact of the training sessions and forums, and to help guide the development of future prevention programming.
Eligibility:N/A
Changed at:3/2/2017 8:19 AMChanged by:Lisa Seaberg
Created at:3/2/2017 8:19 AMCreated by:Lisa Seaberg

Breast Cancer Awareness and Screening Program (Griffin Hospital study)

Title:Breast Cancer Awareness and Screening Program (Griffin Hospital study)
Status:Completed
Topic:Evaluation Services
Funding Source:Susan B. Komen Foundation
Funding Period:2012-2013
Purpose:In 2012, the Griffin Hospital Valley Parish Nurse Program received funding to promote breast cancer awareness and screening in the Valley communities of Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Derby, Naugatuck, Oxford, Seymour and Shelton. Valley communities had previously been found to breast cancer mortality rates exceeding those for the state of Connecticut.
Further Study Details:The Parish Nurses: provided outreach and education on breast cancer awareness at community sites such as churches, libraries, food banks, senior centers, libraries, farmers’ markets, and local businesses; helped women schedule mammograms; and offered 50 free mammograms at Griffin Hospital to uninsured and/or underinsured women. They administered a demographic survey and Breast Health Quiz to assess changes in breast health knowledge among those attending educational sessions. The PRC served as program evaluator.
Findings:The Parish Nurses provided outreach and education to more than 4000 community residents. Of these, 898 (886 women and 12 men) completed the demographic survey, and 84 who attended education sessions completed the pre/post Breast Health Quiz. Among those who completed the survey, most had received a mammogram either during the last year (42%), the last 1-4 years (31%), or at least 5 years ago (5%), while 22% had never had a mammogram. Most of those who had never had a mammogram were younger than 40 years, the age recommended for starting annual mammography. Those who completed the Breast Health Quiz had a statistically significant 10% gain in knowledge scores after attending education sessions.
Eligibility:Residents of communities in the target areas
Changed at:3/2/2017 8:13 AMChanged by:Lisa Seaberg
Created at:3/2/2017 8:13 AMCreated by:Lisa Seaberg