Contexts, Mechanisms, and Outcomes That Matter in Dutch Community-Based Physical Activity Programs Targeting Socially Vulnerable Groups

2016 ◽  
Vol 40 (3) ◽  
pp. 294-331 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marion Herens ◽  
Annemarie Wagemakers ◽  
Lenneke Vaandrager ◽  
Johan van Ophem ◽  
Maria Koelen
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Local Governance ◽  
Community Outreach ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Outreach Program ◽  
Intersectoral Collaboration ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Physical Activity Programs ◽  
Socially Vulnerable Groups

This article presents a practitioner-based approach to identify key combinations of contextual factors (C) and mechanisms (M) that trigger outcomes (O) in Dutch community-based health-enhancing physical activity (CBHEPA) programs targeting socially vulnerable groups. Data were collected in six programs using semi-structured interviews and focus groups using a timeline technique. Sessions were recorded, anonymized, and transcribed. A realist synthesis protocol was used for data-driven and thematic analysis of CMO configurations. CMO configurations related to community outreach, program sustainability, intersectoral collaboration, and enhancing participants’ active lifestyles. We have refined the CBHEPA program theory by showing that actors’ passion for, and past experiences with, physical activity programs trigger outcomes, alongside their commitment to socially vulnerable target groups. Project discontinuity, limited access to resources, and a trainer’s stand-alone position were negative configurations. The authors conclude that local governance structures appear often to lack adaptive capacity to accommodate multilevel processes to sustain programs.

scholarly journals Utilizing Participatory Research to Engage Underserved Populations to Improve Health-Related Outcomes in Delaware

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (7) ◽  
pp. 2353
Author(s):  
Shannon M. Robson ◽  
Samantha M. Rex ◽  
Katie Greenawalt ◽  
P. Michael Peterson ◽  
Elizabeth Orsega-Smith
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Health Behavior ◽  
Health Behaviors ◽  
Participatory Research ◽  
Cooperative Extension ◽  
Underserved Populations ◽  
Community Outreach ◽  
Outreach Program ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Improve Health

Cooperative Extension is a community outreach program. Despite its large reach, there is a need for the evaluation of changes in health-related outcomes for individuals engaged with Cooperative Extension. A team-based challenge was developed using community-engaged participatory research integrated with Cooperative Extension to encourage healthy eating and physical activity behaviors through Cooperative Extension programming. Thus, the primary purpose of this secondary analysis was to (1) evaluate changes in anthropometric outcomes and (2) evaluate changes in health behavior outcomes. Associations of anthropometric changes and health behavior changes with engagement in the three-month team-based challenge were explored. Anthropometrics were measured using standard procedures, and intake of fruits and vegetables and physical activity were self-reported. Of the 145 participants in the community-engaged participatory research portion of the study, 52.4% (n = 76) had complete anthropometrics before and after the team-based challenge and were included in this study. At 3 months, there was a significant reduction in body mass index (−0.3 kg/m2, p = 0.024) and no significant change in waist circumference (p = 0.781). Fruit and vegetable intake significantly increased (+0.44 servings/day, p = 0.018). Physical activity did not significantly change based on (1) the number of days 30 or more minutes of physical activity was conducted (p = 0.765) and (2) Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire scores (p = 0.612). Changes in anthropometrics and health behaviors were not associated with engagement in the team-based challenge. Using community-engaged participatory research with community outreach programs, such as Cooperative Extension, can improve health-related outcomes in underserved populations. However, despite a participatory approach, changes in anthropometrics and health behaviors were not associated with engagement in the developed team-based challenge.

Physical activity and the built environment: perceptions of policy-makers in Oman

2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (4) ◽  
pp. 762-770
Author(s):  
Ruth M Mabry ◽  
Huda Al Siyabi ◽  
Muhssen Kannan ◽  
Amal Al Siyabi
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Built Environment ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
Active Travel ◽  
Intersectoral Collaboration ◽  
Political Commitment ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Urban Planning And Design ◽  
Global Action ◽  
Negative Perceptions

Abstract The prevalence of physical activity is low in the Sultanate of Oman. The built environment is a key barrier to physical activity in the region. Our aim is to examine urban planners’ perceptions of the relevance and feasibility of the proposed urban planning and design interventions in the draft WHO technical package on physical activity. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 professionals using a pre-tested interview guide. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed. Content analysis based on the socio-ecological framework (policy, physical, socio-cultural and information environment) was used to identify the perceived urban design challenges and solutions. Urban sprawl due to haphazard urban and transport design, limited accessibility to parks and sports facilities, negative perceptions about active travel and limited understanding of physical activity were key challenges identified by interviewees. Participants suggested strengthening governance through policy and intersectoral collaboration, improving community design and accessibility to parks, considering the needs of diverse populations and improving knowledge and attitudes of physical activity as priority when adapting the WHO technical package to Oman. Mid-level managers prioritized three interventions from the package: the need for political commitment and capacity building on how the built environment can promote physical activity, a national political on physical activity that promotes a safe infrastructure for active transport, and accessibility to sports and recreational facilities. Negative perceptions of active travel and cultural expectations that constrain mobility requires a society-wide paradigm shift, the first objective of the WHO global action plan.

scholarly journals Barriers and Facilitators for the Implementation and Evaluation of Community-Based Interventions to Promote Physical Activity and Healthy Diet: A Mixed Methods Study in Argentina

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 213 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Belizan ◽  
R. Chaparro ◽  
Marilina Santero ◽  
Natalia Elorriaga ◽  
Nadja Kartschmit ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Project Evaluation ◽  
Political Support ◽  
Healthy Diet ◽  
Barriers And Facilitators ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Community Based Interventions ◽  
Community Based

Background: Obesogenic environments promote sedentary behavior and high dietary energy intake. The objective of the study was to identify barriers and facilitators to the implementation and impact evaluation of projects oriented to promote physical activity and healthy diet at community level. We analyzed experiences of the projects implemented within the Healthy Municipalities and Communities Program (HMCP) in Argentina. Methods: A mixed methods approach included (1) in-depth semi-structured interviews, with 44 stakeholders; and (2) electronic survey completed by 206 individuals from 96 municipalities across the country. Results: The most important barriers included the lack of: adequate funding (43%); skilled personnel (42%); equipment and material resources (31%); technical support for data management and analysis (20%); training on project designs (12%); political support from local authorities (17%) and acceptance of the proposed intervention by the local community (9%). Facilitators included motivated local leaders, inter-sectorial participation and seizing local resources. Project evaluation was mostly based on process rather than outcome indicators. Conclusions: This study contributes to a better understanding of the difficulties in the implementation of community-based intervention projects. Findings may guide stakeholders on how to facilitate local initiatives. There is a need to improve project evaluation strategies by incorporating process, outcome and context specific indicators.

A Study of Perceived Constraints on a Community-Based Physical Activity Program for the Elderly in Greece

2003 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 305-318 ◽  
Author(s):  
Konstantinos Alexandris ◽  
Vasilis Barkoukis ◽  
Haralambos Tsorbatzoudis ◽  
George Grouios
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Senior Center ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Physical Activity Programs ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Perceived Constraints ◽  
Intention To Continue

The purpose of the study was to examine whether older adults (>60 years old) who participated in physical activity programs provided by a senior center in Greece perceived certain constraints as limiting reasons for their participation and whether perceived constraints could predict individuals’ intentions to continue participation. The sample of the study consisted of 125 adults age 60 and older. The principal-component analysis of the leisure-constraint scale revealed 4 constraint dimensions: facilities/services, individual/psychological, lack of partners, and accessibility/financial. The results revealed significant differences in the perception of constraints between frequent and infrequent participants in the individual/psychological and accessibility/financial constraints. The constraint dimensions were also shown to predict a significant and fairly high (40%) proportion of the variance in older adults’ intention to continue participation. The individual/psychological and accessibility/financial constraint dimensions were shown to be the major predictors. The implications of these results for promoting physical activity programs among older adults are discussed.

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