How do you design a logic model for a community-based health promotion program?

1 What is a logic model?

A logic model is a diagram that summarizes the key elements of a program in a logical sequence, typically including inputs, activities, outputs, outcomes, and impacts. Inputs include resources such as staff, money, materials, and equipment. Activities involve actions done by program staff and participants to deliver the program, like training and workshops. Outputs are direct products or services that result from the program activities, such as number of sessions or participants. Outcomes are short-term and medium-term changes among program participants or beneficiaries, like knowledge or attitudes. Lastly, impacts are long-term and broader changes that occur at the individual, organizational, community, or societal level as a result of the program outcomes.

2 Why use a logic model?

A logic model can help you design, implement, and evaluate a program by clarifying its theory of change and identifying its assumptions. It can also help align activities with intended outcomes and impacts, as well as establish indicators and data sources to measure progress and performance. Moreover, it can communicate the program's value and contribution to stakeholders, funders, and partners.

3 How to create a logic model?

Creating a logic model requires careful consideration, and there are some general steps to follow. Begin by determining the purpose and goals of your program, followed by identifying the resources and activities needed to run it. Additionally, consider the products and services you deliver, and the changes you expect to see among participants or beneficiaries. Lastly, specify the long-term and broader effects you hope to achieve at various levels. To show the relationship between program components, use a simple format such as a table, flowchart, or graphic with arrows indicating direction of causality or influence. Additionally, use colors, symbols, or labels to distinguish different types of components or levels of results. Once your logic model is complete, review it for clarity, completeness, accuracy and logic. Ask for feedback from your program staff, participants, stakeholders, funders and partners as needed to ensure that your logic model reflects your program's reality and any changes.

4 Examples of logic models

To illustrate how a logic model can be used for different programs, let's look at some examples from the field of community-based health promotion. These examples are adapted from the University of Wisconsin-Extension's Logic Model Resources.

5 # Example 1: Diabetes prevention program

This program aims to prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes among adults at high risk by providing lifestyle coaching and support. The logic model for this program is shown below.

| Inputs | Activities | Outputs | Outcomes | Impacts |

| ------ | --------- | ------- | -------- | ------- |

| - Program staff | - Recruit and screen participants | - Number of participants enrolled | - Increased knowledge of diabetes risk factors and prevention strategies | - Reduced incidence of type 2 diabetes among participants |

| - Funding | - Conduct group sessions on healthy eating, physical activity, stress management, and goal setting | - Number of sessions conducted | - Increased self-efficacy and motivation to adopt healthy behaviors | - Improved quality of life and well-being among participants |

| - Curriculum | - Provide individual coaching and follow-up | - Number of coaching contacts | - Increased fruit and vegetable intake, physical activity, and weight loss among participants | - Reduced health care costs and complications related to diabetes |

| - Partnerships | - Refer participants to community resources and support networks | - Number of referrals made | - Increased social support and engagement among participants | - Increased awareness and capacity of community resources and networks |

6 # Example 2: Breast cancer screening program

This program aims to increase the rate of mammography screening among low-income and uninsured women by providing education, outreach, and financial assistance. The logic model for this program is shown below.

| Inputs | Activities | Outputs | Outcomes | Impacts |

| ------ | --------- | ------- | -------- | ------- |

| - Program staff | - Conduct outreach and education sessions in community settings | - Number of sessions conducted | - Increased knowledge and awareness of breast cancer and screening benefits among women | - Increased early detection and treatment of breast cancer among women |

| - Funding | - Distribute educational materials and reminders | - Number of materials distributed | - Increased intention and readiness to get screened among women | - Improved survival and quality of life among women |

| - Materials | - Provide vouchers and transportation assistance for mammography screening | - Number of vouchers and transportation services provided | - Increased access and affordability of screening among women | - Reduced health disparities and inequalities among women |

| - Partnerships | - Collaborate with health care providers and community organizations | - Number of partnerships established | - Increased trust and satisfaction with health care system among women | - Increased advocacy and policy change for breast cancer prevention and care |