Process evaluation of an intersectoral intervention for health equity in Munich, Germany

BACKGROUND: Intersectoral partnerships can help building sustainable urban environments for children and adolescents that decrease the impact of socioeconomic inequities regarding health and development. However, facilitators for implementing these kinds of public health interventions have hardly been researched. This study conducted a process evaluation of the intersectoral network Präventionskette Freiham that was implemented in a new residential development area in the city of Munich, Germany. METHODS: We collected data in four different sub-studies following a mixed methods design: (1) qualitative interviews and ego-centered network maps with the network coordinators; (2) qualitative interviews with local professionals from institutions engaged with or relevant for the intervention; (3) a focus group with representatives of the three municipal departments guiding the intervention; (4) an online survey with local network members. RESULTS: The intervention was able to integrate stakeholders from different sectors quickly at the start of the implementation process. However, the early development status of the area and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic were a challenge for working processes within the network. Sufficient funding and resources, support from local politics and administration, transparent communication and perceived benefits for the individual members of the network were considered as facilitators for a successful implementation. CONCLUSIONS: The early development status of the area was a challenge for building an intersectoral network. Availability of resources is a key factor for implementing a sustainable support infrastructure promoting health equity for children and adolescents. KEY MESSAGES: • This study increases the knowledge on implementing public health interventions in new residential development areas and helps to build better chances for disadvantaged children. • Implementing sustainable intersectoral partnerships for health equity in communities requires a long-term engagement by local stakeholders, especially in settings without established infrastructure.