Qualitative Assessment Review for the Alabama Wisewoman (ALWW) Program

BACKGROUND: Since 2013, the Alabama WISEWOMAN program (ALWW) has utilized a team-based model led by a social worker to provide health coaching and related support services to improve heart health among 40-64 year old women in the state breast and cervical cancer program. Two large clinics have participated since 2013. In 2015, the program added two additional clinics for a total of four. From July 2015 to June 2016, the clinics served 928 women.

METHODS: A satisfaction survey was sent to participants who completed all required elements of the program model which included a minimum requirement of three health coaching sessions. Health coaching is completed through an initial face-to-face session, followed by face-to-face, nutrition counseling, support group or phone call sessions.Survey evaluation measured the participants’ confidence in setting health goals, increased knowledge of heart health, and behavior changes due to the program. A total of 405 participants received the updated participant satisfaction survey. Of these, the return rate was 35% (141/405).Partial survey completion was observed. To address this challenge, the following denominators did not include unanswered responses.

RESULTS: Eighty-six percent (111/129) indicated they had set health goals due to the program, 99% (135/136) agreed that they were more confident in improving their heart health, and 93% (126/136) agreed that they received educational materials.Regarding knowledge of heart health, 99% (135/137) understood the importance of reducing their salt intake, 96% (130/136) understood the importance of reducing their sugar intake, 94% (127/135) understood the importance of physical activity, and 99% (116/117) understood the importance of regularly taking their blood pressure medication on time.Regarding behavior change, 84% (114/136) ate more servings of fruit, 90% (120/134) ate more servings of vegetable, 90% (122/135) lowered their salt intake, 89% (121/136) lowered their sugar intake, 79% (104/132) increased their daily physical activity, 77% (85/110) used their gym membership, 94% (108/115) used their stretch bands provided by the program, 92% (106/115) took their prescribed hypertension medications on time, and 87% (91/105) used the pill box provided by the program.

CONCLUSIONS: The survey provided a better understanding of participant behavior changes regarding weight and blood pressure as a result of the program. The survey results demonstrated increased confidence, increased knowledge, and positive behavior changes among participants.