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Review
. 2015;8(1):17-29.
doi: 10.1159/000374082. Epub 2015 Jan 29.

Measuring success in obesity prevention: a synthesis of Health Promotion Switzerland's long-term monitoring and evaluation strategy

Günter Ackermann  1 , Michael Kirschner, Lisa Guggenbühl, Bettina Abel, Axel Klohn, Thomas Mattig
Affiliations
Review

Measuring success in obesity prevention: a synthesis of Health Promotion Switzerland's long-term monitoring and evaluation strategy

Günter Ackermann et al. Obes Facts. 2015.

Abstract

Aims: Since 2007, Health Promotion Switzerland has implemented a national priority program for a healthy body weight. This article provides insight into the methodological challenges and results of the program evaluation.

Methods: Evaluation of the long-term program required targeted monitoring and evaluation projects addressing different outcome levels. The evaluation was carried out according to the Swiss Model for Outcome Classification (SMOC), a model designed to classify the effects of health promotion and prevention efforts.

Results: The results presented in this article emphasize both content and methods. The national program successfully achieved outcomes on many different levels within complex societal structures. The evaluation system built around the SMOC enabled assessment of program progress and the development of key indicators. However, it is not possible to determine definitively to what extent the national program helped stabilize the prevalence of obesity in Switzerland.

Conclusion: The model has shown its utility in providing a basis for evaluation and monitoring of the national program. Continuous analysis of data from evaluation and monitoring has made it possible to check the plausibility of suspected causal relationships as well as to establish an overall perspective and assessment of effectiveness supported by a growing body of evidence.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
The categories and subcategories of the SMOC [10].
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Key questions within the different levels of impact of the national prevention program.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Monitoring and evaluation projects of Health Promotion Switzerland in the areas of exercise, nutrition and body weight.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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