Enhancing capacity in faith-based organizations to implement and sustain multilevel innovations to improve physical activity: study protocol for the faith in action type II hybrid implementation-effectiveness trial

BACKGROUND: Latinas face significant barriers to engaging in physical activity (PA), contributing to disproportionately high rates of chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. This study takes a unique approach by evaluating the implementation of Faith in Action (Fe en Acción), a multilevel, faith-based evidence-based intervention to increase moderate-to-vigorous PA among Latinas. More specifically, Aim 1 tests the short- and long-term impacts of organization-level implementation strategies at 6- and 12-month post-baseline. Aim 2 evaluates individual-level reach and effectiveness (physical activity). Secondary aims assess the mechanisms of change and sustainment strategies at 18 months. METHODS: Using a hybrid type 2 effectiveness-implementation study, the current randomized controlled trial compares the implementation of three conditions—standard, enhanced implementation, and enhanced + sustainment—across 32 faith-based organizations (FBOs) in San Diego County. DISCUSSION: The findings from this study can inform strategies for scaling and sustaining culturally tailored PA interventions in FBOs. The current study expands implementation science research and efforts to address health disparities by including Latino-focused FBOs, thereby contributing to the broader goal of reducing health inequities. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The Enhancing Capacity in Churches to Implement PA Programs trial was prospectively registered with ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05473871 (date of registration 20220721).