Development and implementation of the Baltimore healthy carry-outs feasibility trial: Process evaluation results

Seung Hee Lee-Kwan, Sonja Goedkoop, Rachel Yong, Benjamin Batorsky, Vanessa Hoffman, Jayne Jeffries, Mohamed Hamouda, Joel Gittelsohn

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

31 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Prepared food sources, including fast food restaurants and carry-outs, are common in low-income urban areas. These establishments provide foods high in calories, sugar, fat, and sodium. The aims of the study were to (1) describe the development and implementation of a carry-out intervention to provide and promote healthy food choices in prepared food sources, and (2) to assess its feasibility through a process evaluation. Methods. To promote healthy eating in this setting, a culturally appropriate intervention was developed based on formative research from direct observation, interviews and focus groups. We implemented a 7-month feasibility trial in 8 carry-outs (4 intervention and 4 comparison) in low-income neighborhoods in Baltimore, MD. The trial included three phases: 1) Improving menu boards and labeling to promote healthier items; 2) Promoting healthy sides and beverages and introducing new items; and 3) Introducing affordable healthier combo meals and improving food preparation methods. A process evaluation was conducted to assess intervention reach, dose received, and fidelity using sales receipts, carry-out visit observations, and an intervention exposure assessment. Results: On average, Baltimore Healthy Carry-outs (BHC) increased customer reach at intervention carry-outs; purchases increased by 36.8% at the end of the study compared to baseline. Additionally, menu boards and labels were seen by 100.0% and 84.2% of individuals (n = 101), respectively, at study completion compared to baseline. Customers reported purchasing specific foods due to the presence of a photo on the menu board (65.3%) or menu labeling (42.6%), suggesting moderate to high dose received. Promoted entrée availability and revised menu and poster presence all demonstrated high fidelity and feasibility. Conclusions: The results suggest that BHC is a culturally acceptable intervention. The program was also immediately adopted by the Baltimore City Food Policy Initiative as a city-wide intervention in its public markets.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number638
JournalBMC public health
Volume13
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 2013

Keywords

  • African-American
  • Carry-out
  • Food environment intervention
  • Low-income
  • Prepared food
  • Process evaluation
  • Urban

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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