Colorado Physical Activity and Nutrition Program

Evaluation

Evaluation refers to the collection of information about how activities were implemented and whether the activities changed knowledge, attitudes, behaviors, or policies around obesity, physical activity, or nutrition. This information is used to make decisions about program changes and improvements. Examples of evaluation strategies include: brief surveys of persons who have used COPAN resource kits; tests of knowledge for persons who have attended a COPAN training; interviews with COPAN task force members regarding task force operations; and an examination of breastfeeding rates and attitudes among women who received specific breastfeeding promotion information and incentives.

Surveillance Data

Surveillance refers to the ongoing systematic collection and analysis of data about a disease, condition, or risk factor. Specifically, COPAN monitors data on obesity, overweight, levels of physical activity, consumption of fruits and vegetables, and breastfeeding. These data are collected through several statewide surveys: 

• Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) for adults

• Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) for adolescents

• Child Health Survey 

• Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) for breastfeeding

Analysis of health status information collected through these surveys indicates Colorado's progress toward achieving COPAN's program outcomes and meeting the national Healthy People 2010 Objectives.

• The Burden of Obesity 

•  Health Disparities by Race and Ethnicity

Overweight and Obesity Quick Facts:

• Adults 

• Children/Youth

Surveillance And Evaluation Task Force

The Surveillance and Evaluation Task Force is made up of individuals and organizations that share the common goal of improving physical activity and nutrition interventions through collection and analysis of information on health status and program activities. The Task Force provides guidance and direction to COPAN's surveillance and evaluation efforts and assists in identifying additional sources of data for monitoring obesity, physical activity, and nutrition in Colorado.