Abstract
Background
There is limited understanding of the challenges experienced and supports required to aid effective advocacy of the Global Action Plan on Physical Activity (GAPPA). The purpose of this study was to assess the challenges experienced and supports needed to advocate for the GAPPA across countries of different income levels.
Methods
Stakeholders working in an area related to the promotion of physical activity were invited to complete an online survey assessing current awareness of and engagement with the GAPPA, perceived factors related to advocacy, and the perceived challenges and supports needed to advocate for the GAPPA. Closed questions were analysed in SPSS, with a Pearson’s Chi-square test used to assess differences between country income level. Open questions were analysed using inductive thematic analysis.
Results
Participants (n=518) from 81 countries completed the survey. Significant differences were observed between country income level for awareness of the GAPPA and perceived country engagement with the GAPPA. Challenges related to advocacy included a lack of support and engagement, resources, priority, awareness, advocacy education and training, accessibility, and local application. Supports needed for future advocacy included guidance and support, cooperation and alliance, advocacy education and training, and advocacy resources.
Conclusions
Although stakeholders from different country income levels experience similar advocacy challenges and required supports, how countries experience these can be distinct. This research has highlighted some specific ways in which those involved in in the promotion of physical activity can be supported to scale up advocacy for the GAPPA. When implementing such supports, consideration of regional, geographic and cultural barriers and opportunities is important to ensure they are effective and equitable.
There is limited understanding of the challenges experienced and supports required to aid effective advocacy of the Global Action Plan on Physical Activity (GAPPA). The purpose of this study was to assess the challenges experienced and supports needed to advocate for the GAPPA across countries of different income levels.
Methods
Stakeholders working in an area related to the promotion of physical activity were invited to complete an online survey assessing current awareness of and engagement with the GAPPA, perceived factors related to advocacy, and the perceived challenges and supports needed to advocate for the GAPPA. Closed questions were analysed in SPSS, with a Pearson’s Chi-square test used to assess differences between country income level. Open questions were analysed using inductive thematic analysis.
Results
Participants (n=518) from 81 countries completed the survey. Significant differences were observed between country income level for awareness of the GAPPA and perceived country engagement with the GAPPA. Challenges related to advocacy included a lack of support and engagement, resources, priority, awareness, advocacy education and training, accessibility, and local application. Supports needed for future advocacy included guidance and support, cooperation and alliance, advocacy education and training, and advocacy resources.
Conclusions
Although stakeholders from different country income levels experience similar advocacy challenges and required supports, how countries experience these can be distinct. This research has highlighted some specific ways in which those involved in in the promotion of physical activity can be supported to scale up advocacy for the GAPPA. When implementing such supports, consideration of regional, geographic and cultural barriers and opportunities is important to ensure they are effective and equitable.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 10-19 |
| Number of pages | 10 |
| Journal | Journal of Physical Activity and Health |
| Volume | 20 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| Early online date | 7 Dec 2022 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Jan 2023 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:The authors acknowledge the support of the International Society for Physical Activity and Health. The authors wish to thank members of the Global Observatory for Physical Activity and the International Society of Behavioural Nutrition and Physical Activity who helped with the recruitment of participants. This research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.
Publisher Copyright:
© 2023 Human Kinetics, Inc.
Research Groups and Themes
- SPS Exercise, Nutrition and Health Sciences