Development obesity prevention programme: DOiT
Development obesity prevention programme: DOiT
The school-based Dutch Obesity Intervention in Teenagers (DOiT) programme is an evidence-based obesity prevention programme. In preparation of dissemination throughout the Netherlands, this study aimed to adapt the initial programme and to develop an implementation strategy and materials.
We revisited the Intervention Mapping (IM) protocol, using results of the previous process evaluation and additional focus groups and interviews with adolescents, parents, teachers and professionals.
The adapted 2-year DOiT programme consists of a classroom, an environmental and a parental component. The year one lessons aim to increase awareness and knowledge of healthy behaviours. The lessons in year two focus on the influence of the (obesogenic) environment. The stepwise development of the implementation strategy resulted in objectives that support teachers’ implementation. We developed a 7-step implementation strategy and supporting materials by translating the objectives into essential elements and practical strategies.
This study illustrates how revisiting the IM protocol resulted in an adapted programme and tailored implementation strategy based on previous evaluations as well as input from different stakeholders. The stepwise development of DOiT can serve as an example for other evidence-based programmes in preparation for wider dissemination.
Reference
About The Author
Femke van Nassau is a senior researcher at the Amsterdam UMC, VUmc, specializing in human movement science. Her work at the Department of Public and Occupational Health and the Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute focuses on developing, implementing, and scaling up lifestyle interventions to promote physical activity and reduce sedentary behavior. With a PhD in scaling up school-based obesity prevention programs, she continues to lead innovative health promotion projects across various settings.
