YOUNG STRONG AND DEADLY PROGRAM EVALUATION

Abstract

INTRODUCTION & AIMS For Aboriginal young people, physical activity declines through puberty, adolescence, and early adulthood. Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) departments, Aboriginal Health Hub and Youth Health, together with western Sydney Aboriginal communities co-designed the Young, Strong, and Deadly program. The program is an assertive intervention which aims to increase healthy behaviours and improve social and emotional wellbeing among young Aboriginal adolescents aged 12-16 years. The program is an Aboriginal researcher led, 14-week health education and physical exercise program that includes paid PCYC gym memberships, guided gym sessions, transport provision and nutrition education. METHODS The study used a mixed method pre-post design with a process evaluation. Participants were recruited through convenience and snowball sampling including engagement with schools and Aboriginal community-controlled organisations. Data were collected on participation and attendance, performance, satisfaction and intention to continue with activities. RESULTS For the first of three cohorts, 31 participants were recruited, of which 24 completed the 14week program. All participants demonstrated significant improvements in strength & conditioning. Five focus groups were conducted with 20 adolescents and seven parents, individually or in pairs. Adolescents enjoyed the program, particularly achieving gains in strength and fitness, learning and practicing new recipes and having an Aboriginal specific program. Parents spoke favourably of the program including improvements in their children’s health behaviours, focus on school and confidence, and appreciated the staff input and program operations. CONCLUSION Young Strong and Deadly has been implemented in community settings and has demonstrated feasibility and acceptability among Aboriginal adolescents and their families. Initial findings show that a culturally appropriate assertive intervention program can impact on social and emotional wellbeing as well as improving the health of young Aboriginal people.