Projects.We are partnering with residents of 12 income-based housing communities in Virginia to develop (Phase 1) and test (Phase 2) a program to help overcome structural barriers to nutritious eating and exercise.
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Phase 1
Our goal is to understand more about people’s experiences with eating and physical activity. The things we learn will be used to make the program more relevant to residents of income-based housing. There are 4 research studies in Phase 1 that will help us meet this goal. Click each study to learn more.
Study 1: survey
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In the survey study, volunteers will answer questions about their:
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Volunteers will complete the survey twice so that we can see if anything changes over time.
study 2: photovoice
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Photovoice is a type of research study that asks volunteers to take pictures of their day-to-day environment. Like the saying “a picture is worth a thousand words,” photovoice can help us understand residents’ lived experience. The goal is to learn more about what makes it easier or harder for residents to eat and be active in the way that they want.
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study 3: focus groups
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In this study, 6 to 8 volunteers from each housing community will talk as a group. A study team member will ask questions and lead the conversation. The discussion will help us learn about different community strengths to help us plan activities for Phase 2 of POWER.
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study 4: environmental scan
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In this study, we will ask several volunteer residents from each housing community to show us around their environment. We will look for realistic and sustainable changes to the environment that can help to support physical activity and nutritious eating for residents in Phase 2.
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Phase 2
Based on what we learn in Phase 1 of POWER, we will develop a program to support residents of income-based housing communities meet their goals for nutritious eating and physical activity. Phase 2 will deliver this program across 3 different levels. Click on each level to learn more.
level 1: individual
Adult volunteers living in income-based housing communities will sign up for a research study and receive access to a free web app designed to help them set goals and make changes to support nutritious eating, physical activity, and overall wellness.
level 2: community
We will host events in each of the 12 housing communities open to all residents–not just those who signed up for the study. The events may include cooking demonstrations, food tastings, and low-impact group exercise like walking clubs. In addition, residents of each housing community will be able to choose an environmental change provided by the study to support their goals. For example, a community garden or a walking path.
level 3: ORGANIZATION
We will provide training to Public Housing Authority (PHA) staff to partner with residents to sustain the environmental changes. In addition, we will provide staff training in communication and resource navigation.
Overall, our goal is to create a program that is helpful and sustainable–becoming a free community resource and not just a research study.
