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Original Article

Community Health Outcomes Following a Twelve-Week Intervention: A Cluster Trial

A. Chandra, B. Lee, M. Patel, and J. Rivera

Department of Public Health, Midwest University

School of Nursing, Lakeside College

Center for Community Studies, Riverbend Institute

Abstract

Background: Community-based programs can improve population health, yet evidence from low-resource settings remains limited.

Methods: We conducted a cluster trial in 24 communities randomized to a twelve-week intervention or control.

Results: Participants in the intervention arm reported higher adherence at twelve weeks than the control arm.

Conclusion: The intervention was associated with modest improvements in short-term outcomes.

1 Introduction

Community engagement programs aim to improve health through education, resources, and referral pathways.

Prior studies report mixed effects, with variation in intensity and duration (Smith et al., 2018; Nguyen & Torres, 2020).

2 Methods

2.1 Study design and setting

We conducted a parallel cluster trial in 24 communities across three counties from March to June 2024.

2.2 Intervention

Communities in the intervention arm received weekly group sessions, resource kits, and referrals for twelve weeks.

2.4 Outcomes

Primary outcomes were change in self-reported health and health service utilization at twelve weeks.

Figure 3 shows the CONSORT flow of communities.

Baseline characteristics are summarized in Figure 2.

2.5 Statistical analysis

We used mixed-effects models adjusting for clustering. Analyses followed a pre-specified plan using PROM scores.

3 Results

A total of 612 participants from 24 communities were included; 322 in the intervention and 290 in the control arm.