Development and evaluation of the IPLAY program: A protocol for a mixed-methods feasibility study targeting newcomer...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Kinesiology
• Sociology

Background:

• Physical Literacy (PL) is foundational for physical activity outcomes but research, especially for immigrant and refugee youth, lags behind program adoption.
• Diverse organizations implement PL programs, yet specific evaluations for special populations remain a gap.
• Newcomer youth often face barriers to accessing and engaging with physical activity programs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate and iterate the Immigrant-focused Physical Literacy for Youth (IPLAY) program.
• To assess the effectiveness of an 8-week PL program for recently settled immigrant and refugee youth in Calgary, Alberta.
• To explore the role of academic-community collaborations in enhancing PL program delivery for newcomer youth.

Main Methods:

• Convergent parallel mixed-methods approach.
• Collection, analysis, and interpretation of both quantitative and qualitative data.
• Program evaluation focusing on co-developed, evidence-informed interventions.

Main Results:

• Physical Literacy programs can enhance confidence and physical competencies in newcomer youth.
• Academic-community partnerships improve access and interest in PL programs for immigrant and refugee youth.
• The IPLAY program serves as a model for tailored PL interventions.

Conclusions:

• PL programs are effective tools for empowering newcomer youth.
• Collaborative program design and delivery are vital for engaging immigrant and refugee populations.
• Timely interventions are needed for 'arrival cities' experiencing significant immigration.