Integrating research evidence and physical activity policy making-REPOPA project

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Policy
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Supporting environments enhance regular physical activity.
• Integrating research evidence into policy-making for health-enhancing physical activity (HEPA) requires further study.
• The REPOPA project addresses this gap by examining evidence use in HEPA policy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present the rationale, design, and initial results of the REPOPA project.
• To investigate the use of research evidence in HEPA policy-making across six European countries.
• To identify facilitators and barriers to evidence integration in policy.

Main Methods:

• Programmatic research involving linked studies over five years (2011-2016).
• Phase 1: Analyzed evidence use in 21 policies and conducted 86 stakeholder interviews.
• Phase 2: Implemented game simulations and tailored interventions for cross-sector collaboration and knowledge integration.

Main Results:

• Initial results indicated a lack of explicit evidence use in HEPA policy-making.
• Availability of institutional resources, support, and researcher-policymaker networking were key facilitators and barriers.
• Understanding evidence use in diverse contexts is essential for effective policy.

Conclusions:

• REPOPA aims to enhance the use of research evidence in HEPA policy.
• The project will develop guidance, tools, and sustainable networks between academics and policymakers.
• Improved evidence integration can lead to more effective health-enhancing physical activity policies.