Use of Population Health Data and Qualitative Analysis to Guide Local Planning and Implementation of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education

Abstract

Purpose The purpose is to describe how local quantitative and qualitative data were used to assess the progress of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) interventions in Los Angeles County, California. Approach Data from the California Health Interview Survey informed the geographical concentration of program resources during the planning phase. At the end of the program, semi-structured interviews with stakeholders were conducted to assess factors that facilitated SNAP-Ed implementation. Setting Los Angeles County, California. Participants Twenty-four project coordinators were interviewed. Intervention From 2016 to 2020, 24 organizations across Los Angeles County delivered nutrition education, reaching an estimated 2 million people. Two-hundred policy, systems, and environmental change interventions reached an estimated 1.2 million people. Method Semi-structured interview data were analyzed using a form of both inductive and deductive content analysis. A codebook was developed based on themes identified in these interviews. Each interview was coded by 2 team members; discrepancies (if they arose) were resolved by a 5-member group. Results Two facilitators—support for capacity building from a local health department and presence of community partnerships—were identified as critical factors that contributed to the success of SNAP-Ed implementation. Conclusion A local health department can increase SNAP-Ed intervention reach and uptake by assisting funded partners with further capacity building, helping them to develop feasible work plans, foster evaluation skills, and engage in sustainability planning.