Mechanisms and Intermediate Outcomes of a Community Translation to Adapt a Whole Family-Inclusive Lifestyle Intervention: A Pilot Evaluation

Authors

Megan J. Moran, Colorado State UniversityFollow
Kimberly Padilla, Colorado State University; Colorado School of Public HealthFollow
Abby Neiser, Colorado State University; Colorado School of Public HealthFollow
Nicole Clark, Colorado State UniversityFollow
Virginia Jimenez, Colorado State UniversityFollow
Natalia Sanchez, Colorado State UniversityFollow
Talia Thompson, University of ColoradoFollow
Ana M. Gutierrez-Colina, Colorado State University; Colorado School of Public Health; University of ColoradoFollow
Jesse Owen, University of DenverFollow
Chesleigh Keene, University of UtahFollow
Matthew A. Haemer, University of ColoradoFollow
Lauren B. Shomaker, Colorado State University; Colorado School of Public Health; University of ColoradoFollow

Publication Date

7-15-2025

Keywords

community-based participatory research, rural health, Bootcamp Translation, Community Translation

Abstract

Purpose: Involving community members in the process of translating scientific evidence into health messaging and interventions can lead to improved health outcomes and more patient-centered healthcare. Community Translation (CT) is one methodology for fostering collaboration between researchers and community members, and it has been shown to result in locally relevant, acceptable solutions to health challenges. There has been very little research on the direct effects that participation may have on community members who become involved in CT. Understanding the mechanisms of CT and its outcomes on participating community members is essential to maximizing the potential of CT. To address this gap, the present study explores processes theorized to be important to the effectiveness of CT.

Methods: Utilizing self-report survey and brief open response data from community partners (N = 8) involved in a CT to adapt a family-inclusive lifestyle intervention in the rural Mountain West, we sought to describe change in theorized mechanisms – knowledge, attitudes, and partnership dynamics – and intermediate effectiveness outcomes.

Results: The results indicate that perceived knowledge, attitudes, partnership dynamics, and intermediate effectiveness outcomes all tended to increase across the CT, with intermediate effectiveness outcomes such as group impact, perceived benefits, belonging, and cultural relevance showing the largest changes.

Conclusions: The findings provide preliminary support for the logic model and theoretical basis outlined by the developers of CT, as well as insights for ways to optimize this powerful community-based participatory research methodology.

Recommended Citation

Moran MJ, Padilla K, Neiser A, et al. Mechanisms and intermediate outcomes of a community translation to adapt a whole family-inclusive lifestyle intervention: a pilot evaluation. J Patient Cent Res Rev. 2025;12:124-133. 10.17294/2330-0698.2135