The Evaluation

EVALUATION OBJECTIVES

This formative evaluation of the pedometer and physical activity component of the prenatal classes assessed both process and outcome objectives.  The logic model for the program is presented in Appendix B.

Process Evaluation Objectives

• Assess whether participants use the pedometer and physical activity resources outside the prenatal class
• Assess whether the pedometers function correctly and the types of problems participants may have encountered with their pedometer
• Assess whether program resources are appropriate
• Determine if pedometer and physical activity content is appropriate
• Describe prenatal class attendance
• Assess facilitators' experiences with the pedometer and PA component of the prenatal classes

Outcome Evaluation Objectives

• Assess participants' barriers to being physically active during pregnancy
• Assess participants' physical activity self efficacy before (week 1) and after the program (week 4)
• Assess participants' physical activity levels before and after the program
• Determine if participants set physical activity goals
• Assess the level of importance that participants give to physical activity during pregnancy
• Describe participants' intention to use the pedometer in the future
• Assess participants' overall satisfaction with the program

After registering for the prenatal class series, participants were mailed a letter confirming their registration for the series. This included a brief description to the prenatal classes and an invitation to participate in the pedometer and physical activity component of the classes; however, not all participants received the invitation letter before the first prenatal class.

The information package included the PARmed-X for Pregnancy physical activity screen. Pregnant participants were encouraged to complete this form with their health care provider but it was not a requirement of participation in the pedometer component. The Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q) form was included for coaches to complete if they desired. Participants were asked to complete a consent form at the beginning of Class 1 (Appendix C).

Data Collection Tools

Prenatal class participants (pregnant women and coaches) completed a pre-survey at the beginning of class 1 and a post-survey after class 4. The survey questions for pregnant women are presented in Appendix D and for coaches in Appendix E.

Class instructors completed an anonymous online survey following the last class in the series (see Appendix F).

Data Analysis

All surveys were entered into Fluid Surveys software. Descriptive summary statistics are presented, including counts, percentages, and means (where appropriate).

Open-ended responses to questions on participants' and instructors' satisfaction with the program are presented qualitatively.

Ethical Considerations

This proposal was reviewed in accordance with the KFL&A Public Health policy for the scientific and ethical review of research projects.  Ethical approval for the project was received from the Queen's University Health Sciences Research Ethics Board.