Community Coalition Action Theory: Introducing an Interventional Application to Confronting Covid-19

It’s less possible to promote health behaviors without theory-based studies and it’s better to use health education and promotion theories for more effective health education and promotion interventions. Theories are able to change the behavior of individuals at the personal, interpersonal, organizational, social, and policymaking levels. Organizations play an important role in the daily life of people, and any changes in these organizations can affect people's health. The Community Coalition Action Theory (CCAT) is a form of theories for the change across organizations. A community coalition is a structured arrangement where all members can work together on a common goal and objective. The current article focuses on applications of the CCAT to provide a framework for the development of activities and interventions related to confronting Covid-19. Forming a coalition is very significant and can increase the effectiveness of interventional programs. CCAT is one of the best practices that can be achieved through joint activities of multiple organizations that lead to improved health behaviors

Examining Extension-Supported Rural Community Coalitions During COVID-19

Key informant interviews with extension-supported community coalition members in five rural communities during the COVID-19 pandemic were used to examine the unique characteristics of rural community resiliency in the face of a crisis based on the community capitals framework. Using a thematic analysis, seven different human and material capitals were examined in community members’ reactions to a “black swan” event. Rural community coalition members shared their perspectives on the vitality of their community in the face of adversity which revealed obstacles extension professionals can support through community development efforts focused on building resiliency. The analysis identified three emergent themes: (1) juxtaposing restrictions and uncertainties with unexpected successes; (2) demonstrating resiliency through connectedness; and (3) correlating community health with changing perceptions of COVID-19. Additionally, each theme was juxtaposed with the interplay of community capitals as they related to coalition efforts in a pandemic that can assist if further developing health communication and extension education efforts within rural communities across the globe in times of crisis. Keywords: rural; resiliency; Community Capitals Framework; health communication; COVID-19