Theory-Based, Participatory Development of a Cross-Company Network Promoting Physical Activity in Germany: A Mixed-Methods Approach

The untapped potential of workplace health promotion (WHP) in smaller companies and the promising approach to promote physical activity in the workplace requires application-oriented approaches. This study describes the participatory, theory-based development of a cross-company network with a multicomponent intervention for promoting physical activity in smaller companies. The BIG-Manual (from the “Movement as an Investment for Health” project, German—BIG) was the theoretical framework for developing the cross-company network. Qualitative and quantitative data sources were used to identify the requests and requirements of stakeholders (employees on site, local exercise providers, company representatives and network partners) regarding measures promoting physical activity and the cross-company network. The methods applied included two workshops (n = 13; n = 15), individual semi-structured interviews (n = 8) and a survey (n = 285). The analysis revealed that a large number of stakeholders must be taken into consideration for physical activity promotion in cross-company networks. Many similarities between the requests of employees and further stakeholders concerning a multicomponent intervention for promoting physical activity could be identified. Present gender-specific and physical activity-related differences show the importance of target group-specific intervention planning in the context of WHP. This study makes an important contribution for the development of future cross-company networks promoting physical activity and yields valuable information for the design of a multicomponent intervention promoting physical activity.

Download Full-text

Physical activity promotion in German vocational education: does capacity building work?

Health Promotion International ◽

10.1093/heapro/daaa014 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 35 (6) ◽

pp. 1577-1589 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Johanna Popp ◽

Johannes Carl ◽

Eva Grüne ◽

Jana Semrau ◽

Peter Gelius ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Nursing Students ◽

Vocational Education ◽

Capacity Building ◽

Qualitative Content Analysis ◽

Physical Activity Promotion ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Policy And Practice ◽

Physically Active ◽

Activity Promotion

Abstract Apprentices in many sectors are exposed to increased health risks and show low levels of physical activity (PA). Environmental and policy approaches seem to be promising tools for PA promotion as they can positively influence the context in which PA occurs. This article reports results from a German research project (2015–2018) that developed and implemented measures for PA promotion in the field of vocational education (VE). A participatory approach—cooperative planning (COP)—involving researchers as well as stakeholders from policy and practice was used in two VE settings—nursing care and automotive mechatronics. We assessed the extent to which new capacities for PA promotion were created by conducting semi-structured interviews with stakeholders from both sectors (n = 12) and one group interview with nursing students (n = 4). Transcripts were analysed using qualitative content analysis. Findings show that new capacities were created mainly in the form of resources and opportunities and that several measures for PA promotion (e.g. a regular lesson on the issue of PA and health and a tutoring system) were successfully integrated into VE routines. However, establishing new organizational goals and obligations appeared to be challenging. Moreover, the article presents influencing factors, such as the participation of the main actors that strongly supported the process of capacity building within their organization. We conclude that COP seems promising in creating new capacities for PA promotion in the field of VE, and therefore has the potential to promote a physically active lifestyle among apprentices.

Download Full-text

Impact Model-Based Physical-Activity Promotion at the Workplace: Study Protocol for a Mixed-Methods Study in Germany (KomRueBer Study)

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18116074 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (11) ◽

pp. 6074

Author(s):

Andrea Schaller ◽

Carina Hoffmann

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Mixed Methods ◽

Study Protocol ◽

Complex Interventions ◽

Physical Activity Promotion ◽

Impact Model ◽

Health Competence ◽

Model Based ◽

Multicomponent Intervention ◽

Activity Promotion

There is great potential for the implementation of physical-activity measures at the workplace, especially in smaller companies. The present paper describes the study protocol for evaluating an impact-model-based multicomponent intervention promoting physical activity at the workplace within a cross-company network. The evaluation is based on a logic model focusing on outputs and short-term outcomes for the purpose of physical-activity promotion, physical-activity-related health competence, and knowledge about physical activity. A mixed-methods approach is applied. The quantitative evaluation is conducted as a natural design, and combines a retrospective evaluation of the acceptance, usage, and satisfaction (output) at the end of the measures, and two surveys that capture physical activity, knowledge about physical activity, and physical-activity-related health competence (outcome) of the employees in the form of a trend study. The qualitative evaluation comprises semistructured interviews to investigate knowledge of the existence of and attitude towards the content of the multicomponent intervention and the study. The challenges evaluating complex interventions are widely debated. Through an impact-model-based approach, the study will provide a promising framework for the systematic evaluation of a multicomponent intervention promoting physical activity.

Download Full-text

“They turn to you first for everything”: insights into midwives’ perspectives of providing physical activity advice and guidance to pregnant women

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth ◽

10.1186/s12884-019-2607-x ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Marlize De Vivo ◽

Hayley Mills

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Local Community ◽

Policy Research ◽

Physical Activity Promotion ◽

Support Network ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Activity Engagement ◽

Activity Promotion ◽

Physical Activity Advice

Abstract Background The antenatal period is associated with a decline in physical activity among women. Midwives are viewed central to the dissemination of information during pregnancy, however, there is little research relating to their promotion of physical activity. The purpose of this study was to gain insight into midwives’ perspectives of providing physical activity advice and guidance to pregnant women Methods Community midwives (N = 10) from ten randomly selected antenatal clinics in England took part in semi-structured interviews which were audio recorded, transcribed and analysed thematically Results In relation to perceived role and responsibilities in providing physical activity advice and guidance, midwives emphasised the extent to which their profession has evolved, the perceived burden of responsibility, and the tick box approach to physical activity discussion. Midwives identified a lack of training, knowledge, confidence, time, resources, and perceptions of vulnerability as barriers to effective physical activity promotion. Despite these issues midwives proposed eight opportunities to facilitate pregnant women’s physical activity engagement: (1) recognising and addressing barriers in the uptake and maintenance of physical activities, (2) professional development, (3) inter-professional collaboration, (4) communicating effectively through simple, reliable resources, (5) improved access, availability, and awareness of suitable activities in the local community, (6) encouraging a support network, (7) “selling” physical activity by challenging misconceptions and focusing on benefits, and (8) suitable motivation, incentives and reward. Conclusions These opportunities identified by midwives provide foundations from which improvements in practice can result. Whilst midwives are ideally placed to promote physical activity as part of a healthy pregnancy, this is likely to be most effective as part of a wider network of practitioners that share consistent and confident messages regarding physical activity engagement. This notion has far reaching implications for practice, policy, research and the normalisation of active pregnancies in the wider population.

Download Full-text

Physical activity promotion in care homes

Working with Older People ◽

10.1108/wwop-07-2017-0016 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 21 (4) ◽

pp. 206-214 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Lindsay Turpie ◽

Sandy Whitelaw ◽

Christopher Topping

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Physical Activity Promotion ◽

Care Homes ◽

Successful Implementation ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Content Type ◽

Private Care ◽

Activity Promotion ◽

Key Staff ◽

Insight Into

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to report on the implementation of a physical activity (PA) scheme – Let’s Motivate (LM) – within private care homes (CHs) in Dumfries and Galloway (D&G), Scotland; aiming to provide an insight into the different factors which might contribute to its success and further sustainability. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative study is described in which one-to-one semi-structured interviews were carried out with eight key staff involved in implementing the project within two purposively sampled CHs; in order to explore their views and experiences of implementation. Findings The paper provides an insight into the different factors which stand to both promote and impede the successful implementation of LM, within the two CHs involved. Originality/value This paper explores a new and innovative PA initiative in CHs in D&G, Scotland. Studies exploring the factors which can both promote and impede implementation are important as they can help to usefully inform the implementation and sustainability of initiatives.

Download Full-text

Supporting Cross-Company Networks in Workplace Health Promotion through Social Network Analysis—Description of the Methodological Approach and First Results from a Model Project on Physical Activity Promotion in Germany

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18136874 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (13) ◽

pp. 6874

Author(s):

Andrea Schaller ◽

Gabriele Fohr ◽

Carina Hoffmann ◽

Gerrit Stassen ◽

Bert Droste-Franke

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Health Promotion ◽

Social Network ◽

Social Network Analysis ◽

Network Analysis ◽

Workplace Health Promotion ◽

Methodological Approach ◽

Workplace Health ◽

Activity Promotion ◽

First Results

Cross-company networking and counseling is considered to be a promising approach for workplace health promotion in small and medium-sized enterprises. However, a systematic and empirical approach on how such networks can be developed is lacking. The aims of the present paper are to describe the approach of a social network analysis supporting the development of a cross-company network promoting physical activity and to present first results. In the process of developing the methodological approach, a common understanding of the nodes and edges within the project was elaborated. Based on the BIG-model as the theoretical framework of the project, five measuring points and an application-oriented data collection table were determined. Using Gephi, network size, degree, and distance measures, as well as density and clustering measures, were calculated and visualized in the course of the time. First results showed a continuous expansion and densification of the network. The application experience showed that the application of social network analysis in practical cross-company network development is promising but currently still very resource intensive. In order to address the current major challenges and enable routine application, the development of an application-oriented and feasible tool could make an essential contribution.

Download Full-text

Recognition of Barriers to Physical Activity Promotion in Immigrant Children in Spain: A Qualitative Case Study

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph16030431 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 16 (3) ◽

pp. 431 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Romain Marconnot ◽

Antonio Marín-Rojas ◽

Jose Delfa-de-la-Morena ◽

Jorge Pérez-Corrales ◽

Javier Gueita-Rodríguez ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Qualitative Case Study ◽

Social Contact ◽

Physical Activity Promotion ◽

Immigrant Children ◽

School Principal ◽

Gender Inequalities ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Activity Promotion

Physical activity facilitates the acquisition of healthy habits from childhood to adulthood. Differences exist regarding the performance of physical activity among immigrant children compared to native Spanish children. The purpose of the study was to describe the barriers that exist for the promotion of physical activity. A qualitative case-study approach was implemented. Parents of immigrant children, teachers, a school principal, and priests were included, using purposeful sampling. Data were collected from 25 participants, via unstructured and semi-structured interviews, focus groups, and researchers’ field notes. A thematic analysis was performed and ecological levels were identified. Our findings revealed the following barriers to performing physical activity: (a) the meaning of physical activity, (b) gender inequalities, (c) academic burden, (d) lack of social contact, (e) expenses and family economy, (f) lack of infrastructure and natural surroundings, (g) time constraints, (h) fear and insecurity, and (i) the reason for immigrating. These results may be used to revise the school curriculum, promoting equal opportunities for physical activity and encouraging family participation. Additionally, urban design policies should be encouraged to facilitate access to open spaces for recreation within cities.

Download Full-text

Using system mapping to help plan and implement city-wide action to promote physical activity

Journal of Public Health Research ◽

10.4081/jphr.2020.1759 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 (3) ◽

Author(s):

Nick Cavill ◽

Debra Richardson ◽

Mark Faghy ◽

Chris Bussell ◽

Harry Rutter

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Systems Approach ◽

Physical Activity Promotion ◽

Key Factors ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Promotion Programme ◽

Activity Promotion ◽

Conceptual Maps ◽

System Mapping ◽

The City

Background. There is growing interest in conceptualising public health problems such as physical inactivity as the outcome of multiple interacting factors within complex systems. Methods. We worked with stakeholders involved in a city-wide physical activity promotion programme in Derby, UK to prodiuce conceptual maps of the major modifiable drivers of physical activity, and used them to explore ways in which the existing programme took a systems approach, and how it might be enhanced. Semi-structured interviews were subsequently undertaken to assess their views on the contribution of the mapping approach. Results. Feedback from stakeholders described the mapping as valuable, especially in helping to identify the limitations of the original approach taken in the city. Conclusions. Even a very simple application of systems thinking can be a useful tool for disaggregating the key factors driving a system, helping to identify areas that merit greater attention, and supporting effective action.

Download Full-text

How prepared are healthcare professionals for delivering physical activity guidance to those with diabetes? A formative evaluation

BMC Health Services Research ◽

10.1186/s12913-019-4852-0 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 20 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

N. Kime ◽

A. Pringle ◽

S. Zwolinsky ◽

D. Vishnubala

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Formative Evaluation ◽

Healthcare Professionals ◽

Diabetes Management ◽

Physical Activity Promotion ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Two Phase ◽

Long Term Conditions ◽

Activity Promotion ◽

Promotion Of Physical Activity

Abstract Background Physical activity is recognised as important for diabetes management and improved overall health of individuals with diabetes, yet many adults with diabetes are inactive. Healthcare professionals have been identified as key to promoting physical activity, including individuals with diabetes, but are ill-prepared to deliver this. Our paper evaluates the barriers/facilitators of healthcare professionals’ delivery of physical activity guidance to adults with diabetes and aims to inform efforts to investigate and enhance their preparedness to promote physical activity. Methods A sequential mixed method, two-phase design was adopted involving a purposeful sample of healthcare professionals. Phase one was an online pilot survey designed to test assumptions around healthcare professionals’ knowledge, training and preparedness to deliver physical activity guidance. Phase two comprised eighteen semi-structured interviews, thematically analysed to provide an in-depth exploration of healthcare professionals’ experiences of delivering physical activity guidance to adults with diabetes. Results Healthcare professionals are committed to promoting physical activity to adults with diabetes and are reasonably confident in giving basic, generic guidance. Yet, significant challenges prevent them from achieving this in their practice, including: lack of education and training around physical activity, diabetes and health; ignorance of recommended physical activity and diabetes guidelines; lack of awareness of referral options; limited time and accessibility to appropriate resources. Nevertheless, healthcare professionals believed discussions around physical activity needed to be an integral part of consultations, incorporating improved communication strategies for conveying key physical activity messages. Conclusions HCPs have a key role in the promotion of physical activity to people with long-term conditions such as diabetes and they are identified within both the strategic policy context and national interventions for physical activity. Yet, this study indicated that HCPs face multiple and at times complex barriers to physical activity promotion generally and with diabetes patients. Conversely HCPs also reported what works, why and how, when promoting physical activity. Rich information derived from the day-to-day, working healthcare professional is integral to shaping future practices going forward. The bottom up, iterative design adopted in this study provides an approach to tap into this information.

Download Full-text