Elusive boundaries: using an attribute framework to describe systems for population physical activity promotion

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Promotion
• Systems Science

Background:

• Rising costs and impact of physical inactivity necessitate comprehensive strategies.
• Population physical activity promotion (PPAP) requires effective, whole-of-system approaches.
• Describing complex PPAP systems is challenging but crucial for improvement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe and assess a provincial PPAP system using an attribute framework.
• To guide a whole-of-system approach for strengthening PPAP in British Columbia, Canada.
• To explore stakeholder perspectives on PPAP system attributes.

Main Methods:

• Conducted interviews with provincial stakeholders.
• Facilitated workshops to document system stories and link them to attributes.
• Utilized an adapted attribute framework (implementation, resources, leadership, collaborative capacity) to analyze findings.

Main Results:

• Developed 121 descriptive statements characterizing the PPAP system.
• The attribute framework provided a useful lens for describing system boundaries.
• Identified key attributes: implementation of actions, resources, leadership, and collaborative capacity.

Conclusions:

• The attribute framework is a valuable tool for describing and assessing PPAP systems.
• This approach can inform strategies to strengthen population physical activity promotion.
• The methodology holds potential for application in diverse health promotion contexts.