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Factors influencing attendance in a structured physical activity program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women in an urban setting: a mixed methods process evaluation

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dc.contributor.authorCanuto, K.J.
dc.contributor.authorSpagnoletti, B.
dc.contributor.authorMcDermott, R.A.
dc.contributor.authorCargo, M.
dc.date.issued2013
dc.description.abstractBackground: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women experience higher rates of obesity, chronic disease, and are less active than non-Indigenous Australian women. Lifestyle programs designed to increase physical activity and encourage healthy eating are needed to ameliorate this disparity. The aim of this study was to identify participants' perceived barriers and enablers to attend group exercise classes as part of a 12-week fitness program. Conclusions: Attendance to the 'Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Women's Fitness Program' was primarily influenced by the participant's personal health, logistics and competing obligations. Low attendees reported more barriers during the 12-week period and identified fewer enabling factors than high attendees. Methods: To understand the factors that influence attendance, a mixed method process evaluation was undertaken in which a quantitative measure of attendance in the group exercise classes was used to identify cases for further qualitative investigation. Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander women aged 18 to 64 years were recruited to a research trial of a fitness program. The 12-week program included two 60-minute group exercise classes per week, and four nutrition education workshops. Semi-structured interviews were conducted at program completion. Participants were stratified by attendance, and interviews from the highest and lowest 25 percentiles analysed. Rigour was strengthened through use of multiple data analysts, member checking and prolonged engagement in the field. Results: Analyses of the post-program interviews revealed that participants enrolled in the program primarily for the perceived health benefits and all (with one exception) found the program met their needs and expectations. The atmosphere of classes was positive and comfortable and they reported developing good relationships with their fellow participants and program staff. Low attendees described more barriers to attendance, such as illness and competing work and family obligations, and were more likely to report logistical issues, such as inconvenient venue or class times.
dc.identifier.citationInternational Journal for Equity in Health, 2013; 12(11):1-11
dc.identifier.doi10.1186/1475-9276-12-11
dc.identifier.issn1475-9276
dc.identifier.issn1475-9276
dc.identifier.orcidCanuto, K.J. [0000-0001-6184-8249]
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/1959.8/152442
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisherBioMed Central
dc.relation.fundingARC FT100100312
dc.relation.fundingNHMRC 1003375
dc.relation.fundingNHMRC 456402
dc.relation.fundingNHMRC 57011
dc.rightsCopyright 2013 Canuto et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)
dc.source.urihttps://doi.org/10.1186/1475-9276-12-11
dc.subjectAboriginal
dc.subjectbarriers
dc.subjectfacilitators
dc.subjecthealth promotion
dc.subjectlifestyle program
dc.subjectparticipation
dc.subjectphysical activity
dc.subjectTorres Strait Islander
dc.subjectwomen
dc.subjectHumans
dc.subjectObesity
dc.subjectExercise
dc.subjectExercise Therapy
dc.subjectQuestionnaires
dc.subjectHealth Behavior
dc.subjectMotivation
dc.subjectAdolescent
dc.subjectAdult
dc.subjectMiddle Aged
dc.subjectOceanic Ancestry Group
dc.subjectUrban Population
dc.subjectSouth Australia
dc.subjectFemale
dc.subjectYoung Adult
dc.subjectPatient Preference
dc.titleFactors influencing attendance in a structured physical activity program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women in an urban setting: a mixed methods process evaluation
dc.typeJournal article
pubs.publication-statusPublished
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ror.mmsid9915909913801831

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