Participation Type
Panel
Session Title
Session 3.08 (Health) The Maternal Infant Health Outreach Worker Program: A Multi Site, Multi Method Randomized Control Trial Program Evaluation in Rural West Virginia (Year 2 Data)
Session Abstract or Summary
Preface: Marshall University researchers discuss a the data from year 2 of a 3 year, multi-site, multi-method RCT program evaluation of the Maternal Infant Health Outreach Worker (MIHOW) program in southern WV. The presentation focuses on quantitative and qualitative data from the second full year of data collection, as well a discussion of the challenges associated with sustained data collection in a long term evaluation project in a challenging environment.
Full Abstract:
At last year’s ASA conference, we presented preliminary data from our 3 year randomized control trial (RCT) evaluation of The Maternal Infant Health Outreach Worker (MIHOW) program, which intends to improve child development outcomes in families facing significant economic/social challenges utilizing trained community members as in- home, parent-to-parent educators. The WV Office of Maternal and Child Health contracted with us to conduct the first RCT evaluation of MIHOW. In our multi-site, multi-method (quantitative and qualitative) RCT in southern WV, pregnant women who volunteered as research participants were randomly assigned to the MIHOW program or to a minimal intervention group receiving only written educational materials. MIHOW staff identified outcome variables that the program intends to influence (e.g. smoking, birth weight, maternal well-being, parenting behaviors, community connections); the quantitative research team identified appropriate measures for outcome comparisons between the 2 groups. Concurrently, the qualitative team is studying a subsample of participants; using purposeful sampling, they are conducting multiple interviews over time to identify themes representing key aspects of participants’ experiences in MIHOW.
In this presentation, we provide an overview of MIHOW and our RCT methodology, followed by a summary of results from the second full year of data collection. We focus on convergence/divergence across the two study sites, indications from the data concerning hypothesized program benefits, and updated understanding of key themes emerging from the qualitative component of the study. Lastly, we discuss challenges of sustained data collection in a long term evaluation project within a rural, economically challenged environment in WV.
Presentation #1 Title
Overview of MIHOW Program
Presentation #1 Abstract or Summary
This section of the program will briefly describe the MIHOW program (history, goals, methods) and the methodology utilized within the RCT evaluation of the MIHOW program within WV that is the basis for this presentation.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #1
Marty Amerikaner, Chris LeGrow and Steve O'Keefe are professors in the Psychology Department at Marshall University; Linda Spatig is a professor in the School of Education at Marshall University. Together, they form the senior research team responsible for the 3 year, RCT mixed methods evaluation of the MIHOW program in West Virginia.
Presentation #2 Title
Summary of Year 2 Quantitative Data: MIHOW RCT Evaluation
Presentation #2 Abstract or Summary
This section of the program will present and discuss the data that was collected in the second year of the evaluation process. Focus will be on how the data adds to the preliminary data collected in year 1, and on the trends that are emerging from this data in terms of the evaluation research questions regarding key outcome variables (e.g. maternal smoking, infant birth weight, maternal depression/well-being, utilization of community resources, parental knowledge and practices, parental stress)
Presentation #3 Title
Summary of Year 2 Qualitative Data: Emerging and Continuing Themes
Presentation #3 Abstract or Summary
This section of the presentation will focus on the qualitative component of the evaluation. The qualitative researchers have been conducting multiple interviews with program participants, as well as program staff, and have attended training programs for staff as participant observers. The presentation will discuss how themes that were identified during the first year of data collection have continued to be important, as well as how they have evolved; further, they will discuss how new themes and issues have emerged in the current year.
Presentation #4 Title
Challenges of Sustained Data Collection in Challenging Environment
Presentation #4 Abstract or Summary
This last section of the program will allow for members of our staff who are actively collecting the necessary data to discuss the significant challenges that have been encountered in conducting this multi-year, multi-site, mixed methods evaluation project. Issues associated with continuity of contact, economic, social and family challenges within the participants' lived environments will be highlighted in the context of trying to minimize participant attrition.
Overview of MIHOW Program
This section of the program will briefly describe the MIHOW program (history, goals, methods) and the methodology utilized within the RCT evaluation of the MIHOW program within WV that is the basis for this presentation.
