Mixed-method evaluation of a community-wide physical activity program in Launceston, Australia.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Community Interventions
• Physical Activity Promotion

Background:

• Physical inactivity is a major risk factor for disease and mortality.
• Few large-scale, multi-strategy community programs exist to promote physical activity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of the Active Launceston community-wide program.
• To assess changes in community physical activity participation from 2008 to 2015.

Main Methods:

• Mixed-method evaluation combining process and impact assessments.
• Process evaluation included participant numbers, demographics, awareness, focus groups, and interviews.
• Impact evaluation used serial cross-sectional telephone surveys.

Main Results:

• Active Launceston engaged 11,887 participants in 30,342 sessions (38,088 hours).
• Focus groups reported increased exercise, better health, and social connection.
• Vigorous physical activity and sufficient activity for health increased significantly by 2015 compared to 2008.

Conclusions:

• Active Launceston is an effective community program for promoting regular physical activity and social engagement.
• The program serves as a model for high-reach, community-wide interventions to improve physical activity outcomes.