1
|
Rivera E, Hesketh KD, Orellana L, Taylor R, Carson V, Nicholson JM, Barnett LM, Löf M, Koorts H, Becker D, Galland B, Salmon J, Downing KL. Prevalence of toddlers meeting 24-hour movement guidelines and associations with parental perceptions and practices. J Sci Med Sport 2024; 27:250-256. [PMID: 38216403 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsams.2023.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Whether toddlers (1-2 years) meet 24-hour Movement Guidelines and how parental practices and perceptions are related to compliance are uncertain. This study: a) estimated the proportion of toddlers meeting individual and combined movement guidelines; and b) examined associations between parental perceptions/practices and toddlers' compliance with movement guidelines. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. METHODS Australian parents self-reported their parenting practices/perceptions (routines, co-participation, restrictions, concerns, knowledge) and toddlers' movement behaviours in the baseline assessment of Let's Grow (n=1145), a randomised controlled trial. The World Health Organization's Guidelines on Physical Activity, Sedentary Behaviour, and Sleep for children under 5 years were used to estimate the prevalence of compliance with individual and combined movement guidelines. Logistic models assessed cross-sectional associations. RESULTS The prevalence of meeting guidelines was 30.9% for screen time, 82.3% for sleep, 81.6% for physical activity, 20.1% for combined, and 2.1% meeting none. Parents' knowledge of the guidelines, fewer concerns and more favourable restrictions concerning movement behaviours were associated with greater compliance with individual and combined movement guidelines. Routines for screen time and for combined behaviours were associated with adherence to their respective guidelines. Less co-participation in screen time and more co-participation in physical activity were associated with greater compliance with the relevant guidelines. CONCLUSIONS Given only 20% of toddlers met all guidelines, strategies early in life to establish healthy movement behaviours, especially screen time, are needed. Future studies could target the parental practices/perceptions identified in this study to support toddlers with optimal sleep and physical activity and reduced screen time.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elise Rivera
- Deakin University, Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, Locked Bag 20001, Geelong, Victoria 3220, Australia.
| | - Kylie D Hesketh
- Deakin University, Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, Locked Bag 20001, Geelong, Victoria 3220, Australia
| | - Liliana Orellana
- Deakin University, Biostatistics Unit, Faculty of Health, Locked Bag 20001, Geelong, Victoria 3220, Australia
| | - Rachael Taylor
- University of Otago, Department of Medicine, New Zealand
| | - Valerie Carson
- University of Alberta, Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation, Edmonton, 8840 114st, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H9, Canada
| | | | - Lisa M Barnett
- Deakin University, Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, Locked Bag 20001, Geelong, Victoria 3220, Australia; Deakin University, School of Health and Social Development, Locked Bag 20001, Geelong, Victoria 3220, Australia
| | - Marie Löf
- Deakin University, Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, Locked Bag 20001, Geelong, Victoria 3220, Australia; Karolinska Institutet, Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Sweden
| | - Harriet Koorts
- Deakin University, Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, Locked Bag 20001, Geelong, Victoria 3220, Australia
| | - Denise Becker
- Deakin University, Biostatistics Unit, Faculty of Health, Locked Bag 20001, Geelong, Victoria 3220, Australia
| | - Barbara Galland
- University of Otago, Department of Women's & Children's Health, New Zealand
| | - Jo Salmon
- Deakin University, Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, Locked Bag 20001, Geelong, Victoria 3220, Australia
| | - Katherine L Downing
- Deakin University, Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, Locked Bag 20001, Geelong, Victoria 3220, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Teychenne M, Apostolopoulos M, France-Ratcliffe M, Chua E, Hall S, Opie RS, Blunden S, Duncan MJ, Olander EK, Koorts H. Factors relating to sustainability and scalability of the 'Food, Move, Sleep (FOMOS) for Postnatal Mental Health' program: Qualitative perspectives from key stakeholders across Australia. Health Promot J Austr 2024; 35:393-409. [PMID: 37384432 DOI: 10.1002/hpja.767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
ISSUE ADDRESSED Supporting healthy behaviours (quality diet, physical activity, sleep) through home-based interventions is feasible to improve postnatal mental health. Involving stakeholders in developing interventions is essential for maximising accessibility, implementation and scale-up. This study aimed to identify factors affecting the sustainable implementation and scalability of the Food, Move, Sleep (FOMOS) for Postnatal Mental Health program, including strategies to enhance research-practice translation. METHODS Stakeholders (n = 13) involved in promoting physical activity, healthy eating, postnatal and mental health, public health and/or policy participated in semi-structured interviews. Interviews, based on PRACTIS Guide recommendations for implementation and scale-up, explored perceptions of program design, implementation and scalability. Reflexive thematic analysis was undertaken. Identified implementation and scale-up strategies were mapped against the Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change compendium and PRACTIS Guide. RESULTS Individual-level: Targeting multiple systems (primary, tertiary, community-based care) and entry points (early, mid-postpartum) for uptake was important. For equity, screening women in public hospitals, engaging with community agencies and targeting most at-risk women, was suggested. Provider-level: Stakeholders identified strategies to enhance future roll-out (organisations assisting with recruitment). Factors impacting sustainability included high demand for the FOMOS program, and governance around screening and funding; online delivery, connecting with partners and providers and integration into existing services may enhance sustainability. Systems-level: Political support and community champions were perceived important for program dissemination. Nine strategies addressing program uptake, reach, implementation, potential scalability and sustainability were identified. CONCLUSIONS For sustainable implementation and potential scalability of a home-based multi-behaviour postnatal intervention, multi-level implementation and scale-up strategies, aligned with existing health systems, policies and initiatives to support postnatal mental health should be considered. SO WHAT?: This paper provides a comprehensive list of strategies that can be used to enhance sustainable implementation and scalability of healthy behaviour programs targeting postnatal mental health. Further, the interview schedule, systematically developed and aligned with the PRACTIS Guide, may serve as a useful resource for researchers conducting similar studies in future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Megan Teychenne
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Maria Apostolopoulos
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Madeleine France-Ratcliffe
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Elysha Chua
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sanae Hall
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rachelle S Opie
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sarah Blunden
- Appleton Institute of Behavioural Science, Central Queensland University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Mitch J Duncan
- School of Medicine & Public Health, College of Health, Medicine, and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
- Active Living Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ellinor K Olander
- Centre for Maternal and Child Health Research, School of Health and Psychological Sciences, City, University of London, London, UK
| | - Harriet Koorts
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Koorts H, Ma J, Swain CTV, Rutter H, Salmon J, Bolton KA. Systems approaches to scaling up: a systematic review and narrative synthesis of evidence for physical activity and other behavioural non-communicable disease risk factors. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 2024; 21:32. [PMID: 38515118 PMCID: PMC10958859 DOI: 10.1186/s12966-024-01579-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading causes of death worldwide. Systems approaches have potential for creating sustainable outcomes at scale but have rarely been used to support scale up in physical activity/nutrition promotion or NCD prevention more generally. This review aimed to: (i) synthesise evidence on the use of systems approaches in scaling up interventions targeting four behavioural risk factors for NCDs; and (ii) to explore how systems approaches have been conceptualised and used in intervention implementation and scale up. METHOD Seven electronic databases were searched for studies published 2016-2021. Eligible studies targeted at least one of four NCD behavioural risk factors (physical inactivity, tobacco use, alcohol consumption, diet), or described evaluation of an intervention planned for or scaled up. Studies were categorised as having a (i) high, (ii) moderate, or (iii) no use of a systems approach. A narrative synthesis of how systems approaches had been operationalised in scale up, following PRISMA guidelines. RESULTS Twenty-one intervention studies were included. Only 19% (n = 4) of interventions explicitly used systems thinking to inform intervention design, implementation and scale up (targeting all four risk factors n = 2, diet n = 1, tobacco use n = 1). Five studies ('high use') planned and implemented scale up with an explicit focus on relations between system elements and used system changes to drive impact at scale. Seven studies ('moderate use') considered systems elements impacting scale-up processes or outcomes but did not require achieving system-level changes from the outset. Nine studies ('no use') were designed to work at multiple levels among multiple agencies in an intervention setting, but the complexity of the system and relations between system elements was not articulated. We synthesised reported barriers and facilitators to scaling up, and how studies within each group conceptualised and used systems approaches, and methods, frameworks and principles for scaling up. CONCLUSION In physical activity research, and NCD prevention more broadly, the use of systems approaches in scale up remains in its infancy. For researchers, practitioners and policymakers wishing to adopt systems approaches to intervention implementation at scale, guidance is needed on how to communicate and operationalise systems approaches in research and in practice. TRIAL REGISTRATION PROSPERO (CRD42021287265).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Harriet Koorts
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood Geelong, VIC, 3125, Australia.
| | - Jiani Ma
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood Geelong, VIC, 3125, Australia
| | - Christopher T V Swain
- Cancer Epidemiology Division, Cancer Council Victoria, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine Dentistry and Health Sciences, Melbourne School of Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Harry Rutter
- Department of Social and Policy Sciences, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath, UK
| | - Jo Salmon
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood Geelong, VIC, 3125, Australia
| | - Kristy A Bolton
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood Geelong, VIC, 3125, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
D'Cruz AFL, Downing KL, Sciberras E, Hesketh KD. Are physical activity and sleep associated with emotional self-regulation in toddlers? a cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:61. [PMID: 38166760 PMCID: PMC10763404 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-17588-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toddlerhood (2-3 years) is a crucial period for the development of physical activity, sleep, and emotional self-regulation skills. Although there is growing evidence of positive associations between physical activity, sleep, and emotional self-regulation in school-aged children, the associations in toddlers remain unclear. Thus, this study aimed to examine the association between physical activity, sleep, and emotional self-regulation in toddlers. METHODS Baseline data from 1350 toddlers (2.2 ± 0.33 year) from the Let's Grow randomised controlled trial were used. Toddlers' total physical activity (TPA) and moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA) were assessed via 4 + days of accelerometry and a 3-item parent-report scale. Parent-reported total sleep quantity was calculated using the sum of average night-time sleep and daytime nap durations. Sleep behaviour data including bedtime routine, bedtime resistance, sleep onset-delay, sleep duration, and night waking were collected using relevant subsections from the Child Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ) and Brief Infant Sleep Questionnaire revised (BISQ-R). A 4-item parent-report scale adapted from the Fast Track Project Child Behaviour Questionnaire was used to assess toddlers' emotional self-regulation. Linear regression models were used, adjusting for child age, sex, and parental education. RESULTS Accelerometer-derived TPA, MVPA and parent-reported TPA were not associated with emotional self-regulation. Higher parent-reported MVPA (B = -0.01 CI95 -0.03, -0.003) was associated with poorer emotional self-regulation. Higher sleep duration was associated with better emotional self-regulation (B = 0.06 CI95 0.04, 0.08). The five sleep behaviours assessed were also positively associated with emotional self-regulation (all p < 0.01), with fewer problem sleep behaviours being associated with better emotional self-regulation. CONCLUSIONS This cross-sectional study suggests that sleep may be important for emotional self-regulation in toddlers, but the role of physical activity remains unclear. These findings suggest that interventions targeting sleep duration and sleep behaviours during the early toddler years may benefit the positive development of emotional self-regulation skills in this population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abhigale F L D'Cruz
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia.
| | - Katherine L Downing
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Emma Sciberras
- Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development (SEED), School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Kylie D Hesketh
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Mavragani A, Holloway TP, Soward R, Patterson KAE, Ahuja KDK, Dalton L, Murray S, Hughes R, Byrne NM, Hills AP. "An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure": Proposal for a Social Prescribing Strategy for Obesity Prevention and Improvement in Health and Well-being. JMIR Res Protoc 2023; 12:e41280. [PMID: 36800232 PMCID: PMC9985003 DOI: 10.2196/41280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social and behavioral determinants of health are increasingly recognized as central to effective person-centered intervention in clinical practice, disease management, and public health. Accordingly, social prescribing (SP) has received increased attention in recent times. The rampant global prevalence of obesity indicates that the customary, reductionistic, and disease-oriented biomedical approach to health service delivery is inadequate/ineffective at arresting the spread and mitigating the damaging consequences of the condition. There is an urgent need to shift the focus from reactive downstream disease-based treatments to more proactive, upstream, preventive action. In essence, this requires more effort to affect the paradigm shift from the traditional "biomedical approach of care" to a "biopsychosocial model" required to arrest the increasing prevalence of obesity. To this end, an SP approach, anchored in systems thinking, could be an effective means of moderating prevalence and consequences of obesity at a community level. OBJECTIVE The proposed SP intervention has the following three key objectives: (1) build a sustainable program for Circular Head based on SP, peer education, and health screening to minimize the incidence of obesity and related lifestyle diseases; (2) increase service and workforce connectivity and collaboration and initiate the introduction of new services and activities for obesity prevention and community health promotion; and (3) enhance health and well-being and minimize preventable adverse health outcomes of obesity and related lifestyle diseases through enhancement of food literacy and better nutrition, enhancement of physical literacy and habitual personal activity levels, and improvement of mental health, community connectedness, and reduction of social isolation. METHODS This paper describes a prospective SP strategy aimed at obesity prevention in Circular Head, a local government area in Northwest (NW) Tasmania. SP is a prominent strategy used in the Critical Age Periods Impacting the Trajectory of Obesogenic Lifestyles Project, which is an initiative based in NW Tasmania focused on assessing obesity prevention capacity. A social prescription model that facilitates the linkage of primary health screening with essential health care, education, and community resources through a dedicated "navigator" will be implemented. Four interlinked work packages will be implemented as part of the initial plan with each either building on existing resources or developing new initiatives. RESULTS A multimethod approach to triangulate insights from quantitative and qualitative research that enables the assessment of impact on individuals, community groups, and the health care system will be implemented within the initial pilot phase of the project. CONCLUSIONS Literature is replete with rhetoric advocating complex system approaches to curtail obesity. However, real-life examples of whole-of-systems interventions operationalized in ways that generate relevant evidence or effective policies are rare. The diverse approach for primary prevention of obesity-related lifestyle diseases and strategies for improvement of health and well-being described in this instance will contribute toward closing this evidence gap. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) PRR1-10.2196/41280.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Timothy P Holloway
- School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, Australia
| | - Robert Soward
- School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, Australia
| | - Kira A E Patterson
- College of Arts, Law and Education, University of Tasmania, Launceston, Australia
| | - Kiran D K Ahuja
- School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, Australia
| | - Lisa Dalton
- School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, Australia
| | - Sandra Murray
- School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, Australia
| | - Roger Hughes
- School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Nuala M Byrne
- School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, Australia
| | - Andrew P Hills
- School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Love P, Laws R, Taki S, West M, Hesketh KD, Campbell KJ. Factors contributing to the sustained implementation of an early childhood obesity prevention intervention: The INFANT Program. FRONTIERS IN HEALTH SERVICES 2022; 2:1031628. [PMID: 36925886 PMCID: PMC10012774 DOI: 10.3389/frhs.2022.1031628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Background The INFANT Program is an efficacious, group-based program for first-time parents, delivered at three-monthly intervals when INFANT are aged 3-18 months through an existing universal care service in Victoria, Australia. Many lessons have been learnt from its origins as a cluster randomized control trial to its small-scale, community-level implementation. This study aimed to describe factors contributing to its sustained implementation to inform large-scale implementation across Australia. Methods This study used a multi-site qualitative exploratory approach. INFANT facilitators trained between 2013 and 2017 were sent an online survey, with optional telephone interviews. The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) was selected as the underpinning theoretical framework as it offered the opportunity to explore a breadth of possible barriers and enablers across patterns of implementation (never, discontinued, ongoing). Results All participants were female (n = 31), the majority were Maternal and Child Health Nurses (48%), representing five regional and nine metro local government areas (LGAs), across all patterns of implementation (never implemented n = 4; discontinued implementation n = 5; ongoing implementation n = 5). All consenting participants were interviewed (n = 11) representing four regional and seven metro LGAs, across all patterns of implementation (never implemented n = 3; discontinued implementation n = 4; ongoing implementation n = 4). The main reason for attending INFANT Program training was to become skilled to implement the program. Mapping identified barriers and enablers to the CFIR revealed the inner and outer settings and implementation process to be of greatest influence. Main differences between LGAs with ongoing and discontinued implementation related to funding availability, organizational management support and endorsement, organizational resourcing and capacity, integration into routine practice and establishing role clarity with partner organizations, and planning for sustained implementation from the start. Conclusion This study provides important insights into the barriers and enablers to the sustained implementation of an evidence-based intervention (the INFANT Program) during small scale community-level implementation. The authors therefore contend that the pre-requisite for scale-up of a population health intervention is not just proof of effectiveness but also proof of sustained implementation at the local/organizational level. Study findings have broad transferability given their similarity to those identified for health promotion interventions implemented globally, in healthcare, education and community settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Penelope Love
- Faculty of Health, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences (SENS), Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Rachel Laws
- Faculty of Health, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences (SENS), Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Sarah Taki
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
- Health Promotion Unit, Population Health Research and Evaluation Hub, Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Madeline West
- Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation (IMPACT), Food and Mood Centre, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Kylie D. Hesketh
- Faculty of Health, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences (SENS), Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Karen J. Campbell
- Faculty of Health, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences (SENS), Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Koorts H, Bauman A, Edwards N, Bellew W, Brown WJ, Duncan MJ, Lubans DR, Milat AJ, Morgan PJ, Nathan N, Searles A, Lee K, Plotnikoff RC. Tensions and Paradoxes of Scaling Up: A Critical Reflection on Physical Activity Promotion. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph192114284. [PMID: 36361159 PMCID: PMC9657872 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192114284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Achieving system-level, sustainable 'scale-up' of interventions is the epitome of successful translation of evidence-based approaches in population health. In physical activity promotion, few evidence-based interventions reach implementation at scale or become embedded within systems for sustainable health impact. This is despite the vast published literature describing efficacy studies of small-scale physical activity interventions. Research into physical activity scale-up (through case-study analysis; evaluations of scale-up processes in implementation trials; and mapping the processes, strategies, and principles for scale-up) has identified barriers and facilitators to intervention expansion. Many interventions are implemented at scale by governments but have not been evaluated or have unpublished evaluation information. Further, few public health interventions have evaluations that reveal the costs and benefits of scaled-up implementation. This lack of economic information introduces an additional element of risk for decision makers when deciding which physical activity interventions should be supported with scarce funding resources. Decision-makers face many other challenges when scaling interventions which do not relate to formal research trials of scale-up; Methods: To explore these issues, a multidisciplinary two-day workshop involving experts in physical activity scale-up was convened by the University of Newcastle, Australia, and the University of Ottawa, Canada (February 2019); Results: In this paper we discuss some of the scale-up tensions (challenges and conflicts) and paradoxes (things that are contrary to expectations) that emerged from this workshop in the context of the current literature and our own experiences in this field. We frame scale-up tensions according to epistemology, methodology, time, and partnerships; and paradoxes as 'reach without scale', 'planned serendipity' and 'simple complexity'. We reflect on the implications of these scale-up tensions and paradoxes, providing considerations for future scale-up research and practice moving forward; Conclusions: In this paper, we delve deeper into stakeholders' assumptions, processes and expectations of scaling up, and challenge in what ways as stakeholders, we all contribute to desired or undesired outcomes. Through a lens of 'tensions' and 'paradoxes', we make an original contribution to the scale-up literature that might influence current perspectives of scaling-up, provide future approaches for physical activity promotion, and contribute to understanding of dynamic of research-practice partnerships.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Harriet Koorts
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
| | - Adrian Bauman
- Prevention Research Collaboration, Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
- The Australian Prevention Partnership Centre, Sax Institute, Sydney, NSW 2037, Australia
| | - Nancy Edwards
- School of Nursing, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - William Bellew
- Sydney Medical School & Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Wendy J. Brown
- School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Mitch J. Duncan
- School of Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - David R. Lubans
- Centre for Active Living and Learning, College of Human and Social Futures, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, 40014 Jyvaskyla, Finland
| | - Andrew J. Milat
- Prevention Research Collaboration, Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
- Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence, NSW Ministry of Health, 1 Reserve Rd., St Leonards, NSW 2065, Australia
| | - Philip J. Morgan
- Centre for Active Living and Learning, College of Human and Social Futures, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - Nicole Nathan
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
- School of Medicine and Public Health, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW 2308, Australia
- Hunter New England Population Health, Hunter New England Area Health Service, Newcastle, NSW 2287, Australia
| | - Andrew Searles
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - Karen Lee
- Prevention Research Collaboration, Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
- The Australian Prevention Partnership Centre, Sax Institute, Sydney, NSW 2037, Australia
| | - Ronald C. Plotnikoff
- Centre for Active Living and Learning, College of Human and Social Futures, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-(02)-49854465
| |
Collapse
|