Factors That Help and Hinder the Implementation of Community-Wide Behavior Change Programs

Harris, Marc, Crone, Diane ORCID: 0000-0002-8798-2929 and Hughes, Samantha ORCID: 0000-0002-7715-9808 (2023) Factors That Help and Hinder the Implementation of Community-Wide Behavior Change Programs. Health Promotion Practice. doi:10.1177/15248399231172760 (In Press)

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Abstract

Novel community-wide approaches that gamify physical activity through challenges and competition have become increasingly popular in recent years. However, little is known about the factors that help or hinder their implementation. This qualitative study aimed to address this gap in the literature by systematically investigating the facilitators (organizational and experiential) and barriers to successful implementation of a community-wide intervention delivered in Gloucester, the United Kingdom. A two-phased process evaluation was conducted. Phase 1 involved the thematical analysis of open question feedback from n = 289 adults. Phase 2 included three focus groups conducted with n = 12 participants. This research showed that promoting the initiative through primary education settings was fundamental to enhancing awareness and participation. Social elements of the intervention were identified as a motivating factor for, and a consequential outcome of, participation. A lack of promotion to wider-reaching proportions of the community was perceived to be a significant barrier to implementation, potentially limiting inclusivity and participation in the activity. Game dynamics, timing, and fears regarding sustainability represented further difficulties to implementation.

Item Type:	Article
Article Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Physical activity; Process evaluation; Gamification; Intervention; Community
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology R Medicine > RM Therapeutics. Pharmacology > RM695 Physical medicine. physical therapy including massage, exercise, occupational therapy, hydrotherapy, phototherapy, radiotherapy, thermotherapy, electrotherapy
Divisions:	Schools and Research Institutes > School of Education and Science
Research Priority Areas:	Health, Life Sciences, Sport and Wellbeing
Depositing User:	Anna Kerr
Date Deposited:	17 May 2023 15:23
Last Modified:	18 Dec 2023 10:00
URI:	https://eprints.glos.ac.uk/id/eprint/12752

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