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.

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