Abstract
There is limited knowledge about how a settings-based approach can be best applied in a sports club setting. This qualitative exploratory study examined whether and how sporting programs focusing on individual behavior change (i.e., increasing physical activity levels of inactive people) and implemented on the micro-level of the sports club, can be a first step towards a settings-based approach (i.e., inclusion of the meso- and macro-level of the sports club). In addition, this study explored factors that influenced the inclusion of the meso- and macro-level of the sports club. Telephone interviews were conducted with representatives of sixteen sports clubs about program activities on all levels of the sports club. Thematic analyses were performed to explore stimulating and hindering factors. After multiple years, six sports clubs also had program activities on the meso-level and twelve sports clubs had activities on the macro-level. Program activities differed per level within a sports club and on the same level between sports clubs. Cultural and social factors influenced macro-level activities, while predominantly economic factors influenced meso-level activities. Based on these factors, sports clubs could develop, prioritize, and choose strategies that support them in developing a settings-based approach when increasing physical activity levels of inactive citizens.
Highlights
Regular participation in physical activity is important for the physical, mental, and social well-being of people of all ages [1,2,3,4]
Most respondents were trainers within the sports club that were involved with the program for multiple years
We explored whether sporting programs focusing on individual behavior change could lead to activities on the meso- and macro-level of the sports club
Summary
Regular participation in physical activity is important for the physical, mental, and social well-being of people of all ages [1,2,3,4]. Almost a third of the world population (18 years and older) and half of the Dutch population (4 years or older) is insufficiently active to realize these benefits [5,6] These people are at an increased risk of different health problems and mortality, especially the ones that are completely inactive [3,4]. To stimulate and maintain a healthy and active lifestyle, strategies should focus on changing individual behaviors, and on changing the environment, so that the environment supports the desired behavior [7] In this regard, the World Health Organization (WHO) points out the importance of a settings-based approach in promoting healthy behaviors, including a physically active lifestyle [8,9]. Important key elements of the approach are: (1) creating supportive and healthy environments to make “the healthy choice the
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