A mixed-methods evaluation using effectiveness perception surveys, social network analysis, and county-level health statistics: a pilot study of eight rural Indiana community health coalitions

Publication date: Available online 5 September 2019Source: Evaluation and Program PlanningAuthor(s): Jennifer Ken-Opurum, Krystal Lynch, Donna Vandergraff, Douglas K. Miller, Dennis A. SavaianoAbstractCommunity health coalitions (CHCs) are a promising approach for addressing disparities in rural health statistics. However, their effectiveness has been variable, and evaluation methods have been insufficient and inconsistent. Thus, we propose a mixed-methods evaluation framework and discuss pilot study findings. CHCs in our pilot study partnered with Purdue Extension. Extension links communities and land grant universities, providing programming and support for community-engaged research. We conducted social network analysis and effectiveness perception surveys in CHCs in 8 rural Indiana counties during summer 2017 and accessed county-level health statistics from 2015-16. We compared calculated variables (i.e., effectiveness survey k-means clusters, network measures, health status/outcomes) using Pearson’s correlations. CHC members’ positive perceptions of their leadership and functioning correlated with interconnectedness in their partnership networks, while more centralized partnership networks correlated with CHC members reporting problems in their coalitions. CHCs with highly rated leadership and functioning developed in counties with poor infant/maternal health and opioid outcomes. Likewise, CHCs reporting fewer problems for participation developed in counties with poo...
Source: Evaluation and Program Planning - Category: International Medicine & Public Health Source Type: research