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Assessing the capacity of state physical activity programs--a baseline perspective.
Tamara Vehige Calise1, Sarah Martin
1Department of Community Health Sciences, Boston University School of Public Health, Brookline, MA, USA.
Journal of Physical Activity & Health
|March 17, 2010
Summary
State health departments have varying capacity to address physical inactivity. Funding, strategic plans, and coalitions significantly impact their ability to implement effective public health programs for physical activity.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Health Policy
- Chronic Disease Prevention
Background:
- Physical inactivity is a leading risk factor for obesity and chronic diseases.
- State health departments are crucial for public health initiatives addressing physical inactivity.
- Assessing state health departments' capacity is vital for effective program implementation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the preparedness of state health departments in administering physical activity programs.
- To assess the capacity of state health departments based on CDC benchmarks for physical activity and public health practice.
Main Methods:
- All 50 state health departments were assessed using 5 CDC benchmarks.
- States were scored on a 5-point scale for each benchmark.
- Statistical analyses (Exact Chi-square) were performed on categorized scores.
Main Results:
- States receiving CDC obesity funding scored higher on four benchmarks.
- States with a physical activity plan outperformed those without on all benchmarks.
- States with a physical activity coalition showed higher scores on two benchmarks.
Conclusions:
- Approximately 20% of state physical activity programs require improvement in evidence-based strategies and evaluation.
- Many state programs exhibit limited sustainability.
- This study establishes a baseline for the capacity and infrastructure of state health department physical activity programs.
