A Qualitative Evaluation of Rural Community Coalitions

Abstract

A multiple case study design was used to evaluate coalitions for community health improvement and promotion in Oklahoma. Data collection in three communities took place in two-day site visits; interviews were conducted with 42 persons. A coalition development model was used to analyze structure, activities and outcomes: mobilization, development of organizational structure, activities, member satisfaction, accomplishments, and maintenance. Each community mobilized a multi-sectoral Steering Committee with a simple organizational structure but had limited success in implementing its plans. The process was truncated in the third community. Member satisfaction was mixed. In particular, they expressed desire for more assistance in leveraging resources to enact their priorities. Because organizational structure and activities were consistent with project design, we attributed the limited success to program design choices. In particular, the organizational structure did not promote community leadership or member engagement.