"What It Will Take For The Successful Implementation Of Produce Prescri" by Olivia M. Rua

Date of Award

January 2023

Document Type

Open Access Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Public Health (MPH)

Department

School of Public Health

First Advisor

Rafael Pérez-Escamilla

Second Advisor

Kathleen O’Connor Duffany

Abstract

Abstract

Background: The Biden-Harris Administration National Strategy on Hunger, Nutrition, andHealth was released in September 2022, a result of the second-ever White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health. Produce prescription programs were included in this strategy and identified as a mechanism for preventing or managing diet-related diseases and addressing food security. Food security is a key social determinant promoting health. Food security allows for the adequate nutrition needed to promote health and prevent and treat diet-related diseases. This study aims to identify the key considerations for implementing and scaling up a state-wide produce prescription program in Connecticut to translate the national strategy. Methods: This qualitative study was based on in-depth interviews with nine key informants working in the areas of hunger, nutrition, health, policy, and/or produce prescription programs. The interview guide was developed based on the Stages Model - a heuristic policy conceptual framework. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the interview transcripts following an inductive coding approach. Results: Key informant interviews revealed four main themes that provided key insights for the potential implementation and scale-up of produce prescription programs in Connecticut. These specific themes were: engage community, consider aspects of implementation, understand the importance of produce prescription programs, and garner advocates’ and decision-makers’ support. Conclusion: A community-engaged multi-level strategy will be needed to successfully implement and scale-up produce prescription programs in Connecticut.

Comments

This is an Open Access Thesis.

Open Access

This Article is Open Access

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