Evaluation of a Special Olympics funded community-based health promotion program for individuals with developmental disabilities in two African countries

Background. This study evaluated the efficacy and feasibility of a Special Olympics funded one –year community-based health promotion program focusing on hygiene, nutrition, and physical activity for individuals with developmental disabilities (DD) and their families in Kenya and Mauritius . Methods. Process evaluation and pre and post data including participant interviews and informant surveys were collected on 182 individuals with DD. Measures included weight; exercise knowledge, attitudes, barriers, and self-efficacy; hygiene behaviors, nutrition knowledge, and program satisfaction. Also, interviews with 10 administrators and coaches were used in the process evaluation. Results. For Kenya, after the intervention, the participants reported improved exercise knowledge (p=.00) and hygiene behaviors (p= .004) and fewer being underweight (p=.00). For Mauritius, after the intervention, participants reported less exercise barriers (p=.00), more positive exercise attitudes (p=.007), increased exercise knowledge (p=.00), self-efficacy (p=.00), and personal hygiene behavior (p=.005); and fewer being overweight (p=.00). In both programs desire to continue the program was very high and participants particularly enjoyed playing sports and learning cooking. After funding ended, the programs sustained themselves through developing partnerships with industry and with a university and by establishing a small business enterprise. Conclusion. Model health education programs focusing on community partnerships can result in improved healthy lifestyles for individuals with DD and can be sustainable in African countries.