Table 2 Meta-evaluation of HeLP-her Rural using criteria developed by RE-AIM

 A. Participant exclusion criteria (% excluded)

Based on predefined exclusion criteria, less than 12% of the participants (n = 95) were excluded post screening (Fig. 1).

 B. Percentage who participate

We recruited 649 women into the HeLP-her program or ~10% n of the potential target population.

 C. Participants characteristics versus nonparticipants

The women involved were representative of the broader Australian regional population (income and education).

 D. Qualitative methods

We qualitatively explored program reach (Fig. 2).

Scoring: “Fully Developed Use”

1. (B) and (C) and at least one other item (A or D)

=Fully Developed Use (A + B + C + D): total of (4/4)

 A. Primary outcome measures

At 1-year, the mean weight change in controls was +0.44 kg and in intervention groups was −0.48 kg, a between group difference of −0.92 kg (95% CI −1.67 to −0.16).

 B. Measure of broader outcomes

A broad range of outcomes are described elsewhere (food intake, physical activity, self-efficacy, quality of life)

 C. Robustness across sub-groups

The intervention showed equally efficacy across various age, BMI, income, and education sub-groups.

 D. Attrition (%)

The study retention was 76% at 1 year (Fig. 1).

 E. Qualitative methods

Program effectiveness was explored qualitatively.

Scoring: Fully Developed Use

1. Has (A), (B), (C), and (D)

=Fully Developed Use (A + B + C + D + E): total of 5/5 “Yes”

 A. Setting exclusions (% or reasons)

Yes, one control town was excluded due to difficultly with participant recruitment. This was because recruitment was conducted during peak farming times “harvesting” (Fig. 1).

 B. Percentage of settings approached that participated

We contacted 311 local stakeholders and 95% (n = 311) agreed to partner with the HeLP-her program, assisting implementation (Table 3).

 C. Characteristics of settings participating versus nonparticipation

Not explored. However, township selection was based on randomization techniques.

 D. Use of qualitative methods

Semi-structured stakeholder interviews were conducted.

Scoring: “Fully Developed Use”—adoption setting

1. Must have (B) and (C) and at least one other item (A or D)

=Partially Developed (A + B + D + E): total score of 4/5

Scoring: “Fully Developed Use”—adoption-researchers

N/A

 A. Percentage of full delivery or full calls

Comprehensive process evaluation results revealed strong implementation fidelity and high dose delivered.

 A. Program adaptions

Implementation was standardized across communities as per study protocol with minor adaptations reported previously.

 B. Cost of intervention

Comprehensive economic evaluation is underway.

 C. Consistency of researchers, time, and setting

Comprehensive process evaluation indicated implementation consistency.

 D. Qualitative methods applied

Program implementation was explored at the community and organizational level with high program acceptability

Scoring: “Fully Developed Use”—implementation:

1. Have (A), (C), and (D) plus at least one more item (B or E)

Fully Developed Use = (A + B + C + D + E): total of 5/5

 A. Primary outcome after final intervention

As above, anthropometric data was collected at baseline and 12 and 24 months with results pending.

 B. Measure of broader outcomes, multiple criteria at follow-up

Data analysis collected at 0 and 12 months with food intake, physical activity, self-efficacy and self-management. These outcomes measures will be again explored at 24 months.

 C. Robustness data—sub-group effects over the long term

24-month data analysis planned with results pending.

 D. Attrition (%)

24-month data analysis planned with results pending.

Scoring: “Fully Developed Use”—maintenance—individual: has (A), (B), (C), and (D)

Fully Developed Use = (A) + (B) + (C) + (D): total of 4/4

 A. Program continuation 6 months post study completion

The HeLP-her program has been endorsed by the Victoria local government preventative health taskforce

 B. How program was adapted

N/A

 C. Discussion of alignment to organization mission

Exploration undertaken with stakeholders, highlighting that prevention orientated program aligns with local organizational values.

 D. Use of qualitative methods.

Stakeholder interviews conducted exploring potential for program continuation and “scale-up”.

Scoring: “fully developed use”—maintenance-setting

1. Has (A) and at least 1 more item (B, C, or D)

Fully Developed Use = (A) + (C) + (D) = 3/3

 Reach

Fully Developed Use = (A + B + C + D): total of 4/4 “Yes”

 Effectiveness

Fully Developed Use = (A + B + C + D + E): total of 5/5 “Yes”

 Adoption

Partial Developed (A + B + D + E): total of 4/5 “Yes”

 Implementation

Fully Developed Use = (A + B + C + D + E): total of 5/5 “Yes”

 Maintenance: individual

Fully Developed Use = (A) + (B) + (C) + (D): total of 4/4 “Yes”

 Maintenance: setting:

Fully Developed Use = (A) + (C) + (D): total of 3/3 “Yes”