Psychol Health. 1994 Jul;9(5):383-395. doi: 10.1080/08870449408407496.

Superhealth basic: Development and evaluation of a low-cost community-based lifestyle change programme.

Psychology & health

John M Raeburn, Joan M Atkinson, Judith M Dubignon, Joanne Fitzpatrick, Mervyl McPherson, Gail S Elkind

PMID: 29022395 DOI: 10.1080/08870449408407496

Abstract

This research describes the development and evaluation of a community-based lifestyle change health promotion programme in New Zealand. The six-week small group programme, called Superhealth Basic, comes as a low-cost resource kit capable of widespread distribution in the community. It is based on a combination of health and community psychology principles and methods, and is designed to be run by untrained lay leaders. A quasi-experimental trial involving 141 participants in 19 groups produced results showing significant positive changes in behaviour, health and wellbeing, with a high level of participant satisfaction and low dropout rates. At 12-month follow-up, the benefits of the programme were found to have been maintained with continuing expression of satisfaction with the programme. As a result of this research, Superhealth Basic is now available as a community resource throughout New Zealand.

Keywords: Community; community psychology.; health promotion; health psychology; lifestyle

Publication Types

• Journal Article