The Girls Active Project: a school-based intervention to increase adolescent girls’ physical activity

Abstract

Abstract Background National and international evidence indicate that adolescent's physical activity (PA) participation rates are low. In Ireland, 93% of adolescent girls (vs 86% boys) do not reach recommended PA guidelines for health. Literature indicates that socio-economic status is a predictor of PA participation. The aim of this study was to work with a socio-economically disadvantaged school in Dublin (Ireland) and, using the behaviour change wheel (BCW) framework, design the components of a school-based intervention to increase adolescent girls' PA levels. Methods A circular development process was undertaken to collectively design the intervention in accordance with the steps recommended by the BCW. One all-girl, socio-economically disadvantaged post-primary school was invited to take part. Public and Patient Involvement (PPI), alongside a cross-sectional, mixed-methods study design, was used to identify the barriers and facilitators to PA using both quantitative questionnaires, and three semi-structured focus groups. Results Girls (n = 287) felt they would be more active in school if they had 'more time to do it' and they 'developed a habit of doing it'. The qualitative data identified influence of their peers, beliefs about their capabilities, setting goals and lack of reinforcement as additional themes. Just 1.4% of students in this sample self-reported meeting the recommended PA guidelines. The BCW design process, informed by the data, PPI members and research team resulted in the selection of specific intervention functions and behaviour change techniques. Conclusions The PA levels of adolescent girls are far below recommended guidelines for optimum health. Helping schools to fulfil their PA promoting role should be a public health priority. The BCW provided a systematic framework for developing a PA school-based intervention. The feasibility and preliminary efficacy of the Girls Active Project will be examined. Key messages Physical activity levels of adolescent girls in Ireland are far below recommended guidelines for health. Using Public and Patient Involvement, and the Behaviour Change Wheel provided a well-founded framework with which to develop a school-based intervention to improve Physical Activity levels.