Participatory Action for Healthy Lifestyles (PAHL)

Participatory Action for Healthy Lifestyles (PAHL)

Principal Investigator: Sally M. Davis, Ph.D.
Co-Investigators: Everett M. Rogers, Ph.D.; Gilbert Quintero, Ph.D.; Leslie Cunningham-Sabo, Ph.D.
Evaluation Coordinator: Nancy Hood, M.P.H.
Start and End Dates: 9/30/02 – 9/29/05
Sources of Funding: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

With funding from the Centers for Disease Control, the UNM PRC is developing, implementing, and evaluating an integrated multi-level model project entitled Participatory Action for Healthy Lifestyles (PAHL). This study is investigating the dissemination, diffusion, and utilization of a school-based nutrition and physical activity intervention program, Pathways. This program is a recently completed multi-site randomized control field trial that was implemented to address the alarming increase in obesity and related diseases, and health disparities, among American Indians. A participatory approach was used to develop this culturally-appropriate and theory-based intervention for third, fourth, and fifth grade students and their families. PAHL provides a unique opportunity to learn more about what is necessary in the successful dissemination of a project.

PAHL involves establishing three training and technical assistance field centers, one each at the local tribal level, the state level, and the regional level. Strategic Participatory Planning Teams are being established and maintained at each level, and will participate in all aspects of the participatory dissemination process. This includes offering train-the-trainer sessions for Community Action Teams to implement the Pathways program. Community Action Teams will then develop participatory action plans to disseminate Pathways in their communities. They will also participate in developing a plan to evaluate the overall project.

As a multi-disciplinary, multi-ethnic research project that includes model participatory partnerships with communities for dissemination and utilization, this project will provide a useful tool for other researchers and communities that are attempting to bridge the gap between science and practice.

For further information about this project, please contact Dr. Sally M. Davis at (505) 272-4462, or smdavis@unm.edu.