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The association between socio-ecological factors and having an after-school physical activity program
Ragnar Van Acker1, Ilse De Bourdeaudhuij, Kristine De Martelaer
1Ghent University, Department of Movement and Sports Sciences, Watersportlaan 2, 9000 Gent, Belgium. ragnar.vanacker@ugent.be
The Journal of School Health
|August 14, 2012
Summary
After-school physical activity (PA) programs are influenced by personal and environmental factors. Understanding these socio-ecological elements is key to increasing youth participation in PA initiatives.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Youth Development
- Socio-ecological Models
Background:
- After-school physical activity (PA) programs are crucial for promoting youth PA.
- Few studies have utilized socio-ecological health models to identify barriers and facilitators for these programs.
- This research investigates socio-ecological factors associated with the presence of after-school PA programs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine socio-ecological factors linked to the availability of after-school physical activity (PA) programs.
- To identify key personal and environmental determinants influencing program implementation in schools.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire was distributed to representatives from 114 elementary and 129 secondary schools.
- Socio-ecological factors and their association with after-school PA programs were analyzed at the school level.
Main Results:
- Increased knowledge of community schools correlated positively with having an after-school PA program in both elementary and secondary schools.
- In elementary schools, PA facilities, a PA working group, and community agreements facilitated programs, while resource shortages and lack of teacher support hindered them.
- Secondary schools benefited from remunerated coordinators and partnerships with 'sport and PA leaders' for program implementation.
Conclusions:
- The study confirms that personal and environmental factors are associated with the presence of after-school PA programs.
- Findings support the application of socio-ecological frameworks for research and interventions aimed at expanding after-school PA opportunities for youth.
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