Assignment 2:  Program Evaluation of a Prenatal Exercise Program for Urban Aboriginal Women

         This was an outcome or goal based program involving pregnant aboriginal women with a history of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).  It was intended to address health-related issues for its participants.  Background information was given indicating that Aboriginal women have a higher risk of GDM than non-Aboriginal women.  In addition, it had been observed that Aboriginal ethnicity was a risk factor for GDM.  Research information was sited to determine the value of fitness in the treatment and prevention of both type 2 diabetes and GDM.  The program involved a free prenatal fitness program to aboriginal women in Saskatoon from March 1995-1997.  Many other elements beyond fitness, but still in the realm of prenatal health, were offered such as nutritious snacks, socializing time with other pregnant women, resources regarding pre and post natal health as well as child rearing were available to view and for loan.  The number of participants was relatively low with only 69 women taking part, reflecting 7% of the target population. 

            If I were to evaluate this program I would use a Countenance Model.  In order to see if the fitness program had an impact on GDM there would be a need not only for anecdotal but descriptive data as well.   This data would need to show wheter or not there was a change in the rate of GDM in the population of pregnant Aboriginal women in Saskatoon during the time of the program.  With such a small number of participants there would be concern that contingency could be shown.  Meaning that there would be a need to see that there was a connection between the event of the fitness/educational program and its purpose of reducing the presence of GDM in the Aboriginal population. 

            However, I would also see the value in using the Stufflebeam-CIPP model.  With such a small number of participants in this program it would be beneficial to look not only at the outcomes but the CIPP – that is the Context, Input, Process and Product.  I feel that the mix of these two models would give the best evaluation of this program.  By using these two models the outcomes of the program for the Aboriginal Community would be evaluated.   As well, the value of the program in terms of its worth for its participants would also be taken into consideration. In this way the value and success of the program would be seen as it affected the Aboriginal population at large and the individual participants.