Framework Component
Effectiveness & Maintenance Refers to the extent to which a learner continues to perform a behavior after a portion or all of the intervention responsible for the initial change in behavior has been removed. - Maintenance Refers to the extent to which a learner continues to perform a behavior after a portion or all of the intervention responsible for the initial change in behavior has been removed. of Behavioral ChangesIndicator Description
Long-term indicators inform whether SNAP-Ed participants continue to demonstrate targeted behavioral changes even after graduating from a direct education program. LT1-LT4 indicators measure which behaviors are sustained at a minimum of 6 months post-intervention. The maintenance stage of the Transtheoretical (Stages of Change) Model lasts from 6 months to 5 years.
As LT2 assesses the maintenance (6 months or longer) of behavior changes resulting from smarter shopping and food resource management (FRM) strategies, SNAP-Ed agencies SNAP-Ed agencies include state agencies that administer SNAP, Implementing Agencies (e.g., Land-grant universities, other universities, public health departments, Indian Tribal Organizations, and nonprofit organizations), and their sub-contractors. should use the same survey and data collection tools used in MT2 to assess behavior change before and after participation in a series of nutrition education and food resource management classes.
Background and Context
Long-term follow-up adds rigor to the evaluation of SNAP-Ed interventions not yet published in peer-reviewed journals. Interventions designated as practice-tested (i.e., evidence derived from practice in the form of evaluation data or reports) or emerging (i.e., practice-based interventions that show promise based on initial implementation and delivery but have yet to undergo full evaluation) would especially benefit from long-term follow-up.
Locating SNAP-Ed participants after the completion of a series-based program requires meticulous records of participants' follow-up information. Participants can be reached through a telephone, mail, email, or face-to-face survey and may require a list of collateral contacts, such as family, friends, or neighbors to help locate them. Local Relating to or occurring in a particular area, city, or town. SNAP-Ed agencies SNAP-Ed agencies include state agencies that administer SNAP, Implementing Agencies (e.g., Land-grant universities, other universities, public health departments, Indian Tribal Organizations, and nonprofit organizations), and their sub-contractors. may seek to host a follow-up or booster educational session or activity for participants who return to complete a long-term assessment of their behaviors.
Long-term follow-up for school-age children could occur during a subsequent semester or school year. Adults or transitional-age youth who reside in group living arrangements can potentially be contacted in the same residence. SNAP-Ed agencies SNAP-Ed agencies include state agencies that administer SNAP, Implementing Agencies (e.g., Land-grant universities, other universities, public health departments, Indian Tribal Organizations, and nonprofit organizations), and their sub-contractors. should consult with their Institutional Review Boards to ensure human subjects protections are in place.
The additional benefit of long-term follow-up of SNAP-Ed participants is determining through surveys or interviews how changes in food and physical activity environments measured in the Environmental Includes the built or physical environments, which are visible or observable and may include economic, social, normative, or message environments. Settings Types of sites, for example schools, work sites, food stores, and parks. chapter impact participants' behaviors. Changes in pricing, availability, and marketing of healthy foods and physical activity resources will impact the extent to which participants can continue to practice the skills and behaviors they learned in direct education programs. SNAP-Ed agencies SNAP-Ed agencies include state agencies that administer SNAP, Implementing Agencies (e.g., Land-grant universities, other universities, public health departments, Indian Tribal Organizations, and nonprofit organizations), and their sub-contractors. should consider aligning their long-term follow-up of program participants with the long-term measures of maintenance and effectiveness in Environmental Includes the built or physical environments, which are visible or observable and may include economic, social, normative, or message environments. Settings Types of sites, for example schools, work sites, food stores, and parks. (see LT5 and LT6).
Outcome The desired benefit, improvement, or achievement of a specific program or goal. Measures
LT1. Healthy Eating Behaviors
LT2. Food Resource Management Behaviors
LT3. Physical Activity and Reduced Sedentary Behavior
LT4. Food Safety Behaviors
See Medium-Term Indicators MT1-MT4 for complete write-ups.
Population
Older adults, adults, adolescents, children, preschoolers and toddlers (via parents or child care providers)Key Glossary Terms
Emerging Newly created and growing in strength or evidence base. , Follow-up A minimum of 6 months post-intervention. , Practice-tested An approach based upon published or unpublished evaluation reports and case studies by practitioners working in the field that have shown positive effects on individual behaviors, food/physical activity environments, or policies. , Transtheoretical Model