Network approaches for evaluating the impact of system-level community interventions to reduce cancer disparities: Lessons from the Nourishing Power Network

YAMHOA, OWUSUA; MADALENA MONTEBAN; EMILY NELSON; REGAN GEE

Celveland

Simposio; Cancer Disparities Symposium; 2023

Case Western Reserve University

Esta Presentación de poster es el resultado de una consultoría realizada en el Mary Ann Swetland Center for Environmental Health, Case Western Reserve University 2022. Objectives: Efforts to restructure the food system are needed to reduce cancer disparities. We present novel methods for evaluating the impact of a system-level intervention, Nourishing Power Network (NPN), aimed at transforming the food system to promote nutrition equity. Methods: We are using case study methodology to explore how and why the NPN results in changes in social capital and access to resources, and the power resulting from these, among NPN participants, including two groups of community leaders from Greater Cleveland: Nourishing Power Advisory Council (n=8) and Nourishing Power Fellowship (n=10). Structured interviews (3x per person) are used to capture changes over time in participants' ego networks focusing on connections related to powerbrokers (i.e., decision-makers, gatekeepers, frame setters, those with resources) in the local food system. Social networks maps are generated with linkages between participants (ego) and actors (alters). Results: This methodology reveals qualitative and quantitative differences in structure, composition, and shape of ego networks related to accessing resources, normative pressures, and influence on food systems actions. We share insights about the value of this methodology for creating new discourse among community leaders about the mechanisms underpinning community systems change for cancer prevention. We also highlight how this method offers novel insights into how power structures shape the scope and impact of cancer prevention initiatives. Conclusiones: Systems interventions are complex and require innovative ways to evaluate impact. Our findings suggest ego network analysis offers insights for shifting power dynamics to restructure food systems to yield equity outcomes for cancer prevention.