UWorkItOut UWin Program: A RE-AIM Framework Program Evaluation.

Abstract

The UWorkItOut UWin program is a 6-week exercise training and counseling intervention aimed to improve the mental health of university students. Benefits of the program include a reduction of anxiety and depression symptoms, physical, psychological, and cognitive outcomes, as well as the development of various coping skills. Despite these favorable outcomes, a process evaluation of the program is needed to understand its effectiveness. The present study conducted a process evaluation using the RE-AIM framework to assess the UWorkItOut UWin program. Data collected from a mixed-method quasi-experimental pretest-posttest single group design was analyzed using the RE-AIM dimensions (i.e. Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance). Sixty participants (n = 60) completed pre-post surveys, exercise training data, self-report physical activity questionnaires, and exit interviews. The program performed well across the RE-AIM dimensions. The program had high adherence rates (reach) and positive outcomes related to mental health, such as decreased anxiety (d = -0.58), depression (d = -0.36), and loss of emotional control (d = -0.42) as well as increased general positive affect (d = 0.47) emotional ties (d = 0.40), and increased physical activity levels (effectiveness). Program staff were valuable for the social support they provided to participants (adoption). However, the program faced barriers with respect to securing dedicated space to conduct the program (implementation) and lacked evidence of long-term maintenance of physical activity participation (maintenance). The program prioritizes a client-centered approach to meet the needs of the participants. As such, continued program evaluation and adaptation is needed.