Qualitative evaluation of a physical activity-based chronic disease prevention program in a low-income, rural South African setting
Article
Article Title | Qualitative evaluation of a physical activity-based chronic disease prevention program in a low-income, rural South African setting |
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ERA Journal ID | 13681 |
Article Category | Article |
Authors | Draper, C. E. (Author), Nemutandani, S. M. (Author), Grimsrud, A. T. (Author), Rudolph, M. (Author), Kolbe-Alexander, T. L. (Author), de Kock, L. (Author) and Lambert, E. V. (Author) |
Journal Title | Rural and Remote Health |
Journal Citation | 10 (3) |
Number of Pages | 14 |
Year | 2010 |
Publisher | James Cook University |
Place of Publication | Deakin, Australia |
ISSN | 1445-6354 |
Web Address (URL) | http://www.rrh.org.au |
Abstract | Introduction: Chronic diseases, an increasing global concern, are prevalent in the low-income communities of South Africa, where rural health systems bear the double burden of infectious and chronic diseases. The Discovery Healthy Lifestyle Programme (DHLP) is a physical activity-based chronic disease prevention program that has been implemented in a low-income, rural setting in South Africa. The DHLP consists of both school- and primary healthcare clinic-based interventions for learners (Healthnutz) and adults (Live it Up), facilitated by teachers, nurses and community volunteers. The aim of this evaluation was to qualitatively assess the process by which the DHLP was implemented, identifying enabling factors and barriers. Methods: Data were collected in target communities at schools and clinics from semi-structured focus groups of program leaders and members, teachers and community members (n=45), situational analyses of the school physical activity environment, informal community observations and informal interviews with program coordinators. Results: The target communities faced socioeconomic and health inequalities and remained under-resourced and under-served. In spite of these and other challenges, the DHLP was well received by community members and stakeholders. It was valued by respondents for its health and psychosocial outcomes, evidenced by increased knowledge and awareness of the importance of physical activity and healthy lifestyles, and positively altered perceptions of physical activity. Program implementers believed the Live it Up component was growing, and this suggested the sustainability of the program. There were, however, some concerns about the fidelity of the Healthnutz intervention, due to timetabling difficulties. Despite this, teachers were positive about the Conclusions: This study presents a unique opportunity to assess the implementation and sustainability requirements of programs in environments of limited resources, considerable burden of infectious and chronic diseases and extensive socioeconomic challenges. The findings suggest that through enhancement of knowledge, transfer of appropriate skills and the provision of an enabling environment, participation in physical activity can be effectively promoted in a low-income, rural setting. Physical activity interventions that promote the participation and empowerment of rural communities can be feasible and accessible, thereby assisting in addressing the growing burden of chronic diseases in low-income. |
Keywords | community-based research, health promotion, physical activity, qualitative research |
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020 | 420799. Sports science and exercise not elsewhere classified |
Public Notes | c. Australian Rural Health Network. |
Byline Affiliations | University of Cape Town, South Africa |
University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa | |
Institution of Origin | University of Southern Queensland |
https://research.usq.edu.au/item/q504x/qualitative-evaluation-of-a-physical-activity-based-chronic-disease-prevention-program-in-a-low-income-rural-south-african-setting
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