Using the Reach Effectiveness Adoption Implementation Maintenance (RE-AIM) Framework to Evaluate a Tailored Education Program to Reduce Obesity-Related Cancers in El Paso, Texas

TL;DR

A tailored education program in El Paso, Texas, successfully reduced obesity-related cancer risks by adapting to the U.S.-Mexico border context and diverse linguistic needs.

Contribution

The study demonstrates the feasibility of adapting evidence-based health programs for culturally diverse populations on the U.S.-Mexico border.

Findings

Tailoring the program to the U.S.-Mexico border context was feasible and necessary for effective delivery.

The program was adopted by other organizations and integrated into existing programming.

The program was well received in diverse settings with varying linguistic needs.

Abstract

Background: Pasos Para Prevenir Cancer is a tailored lifestyle program that focuses on behavioral modification through knowledge and behavioral strategy education, which was delivered in El Paso, Texas, on the U.S.–Mexico border. Methods: Using the RE-AIM framework, we assessed Pasos Para Prevenir Cancer for efficacy and potential for sustainability. Survey, administrative, and observational data were collected between 2018 and 2022. The program was evaluated to determine reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance. Results: Tailoring and adapting to the U.S.–Mexico border context is feasible and necessary to deliver evidence-based healthy eating and active living education content. Pasos Para Prevenir Cancer was well received and delivered in diverse settings with varying linguistic needs. Components of the program were adopted by other organizations and integrated into existing programming. Conclusions: Adapting and tailoring evidence-based programs to improve healthy eating and active living is required to meet the needs of Latino subgroup populations, like those on the U.S.–Mexico border.