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.
Pattie
ReplyDeleteYou need to be more specific as to why you would choose a particular model. Outline how it fits with the program in concrete ways. By referring to the the CIPP model at the end I am not as convinced about your approach to evaluating this program. I see the beginning of what you are looking for there just needs to be more obvious and specific connections made between the program and the models.
Jay