Exploring the impact of a short targeted health promotion programme for children at a local sports club : a participatory action research study

Abstract

Background: Numerous studies confirm the factors responsible for the alarming obesity rates in the European Union. The Maltese islands are no exception with high rates of obesity among adults and children which are causing major concern for the nation’s public health. Therefore, serious measures that target the obesity epidemic and promote physical activity and healthy lifestyles must be implemented in every possible setting. Aim and Research Questions: The aim of the study is to explore the participants’ experiences during the implementation of a brief health promotion programme in conjunction with their routine sports training sessions at a youth sports club. The research questions that guide this study are: What is the impact of a brief health promotion programme at a local sports club on the various stakeholders? and How do the stakeholders experience this health promotion programme as part and parcel of the technical training and skill development? Design: Community based participatory action research (CBPAR) is the methodology utilised in this study that involved one purposefully chosen sports club and its administrator, coaches, youth members and their parents. This was a three-phase study carried out prior, during and after the intervention which involved a total of 24 participants. Face-to-face interviews were carried out with the administration and coaches prior to and after the intervention, whilst focus group discussions were conducted separately with children and parents. The health promotion intervention consisted of six 45-minute sessions covering a range of health topics, delivered by the researcher, administrator, and coaches. Findings: The thematic analysis techniques utilised in both phases resulted in four emergent themes: (i) Youth nurseries as health promotion hubs; (ii) Inspiring figures for the children; (iii) Cultural issues hindering a healthy lifestyle; (iv) Determinant environment to deliver health promotion. Conclusion and Recommendations: A health promotion programme as part and parcel of the children’s training programme was deemed critical for one’s health and improved sports performance. The findings of this study reveal the stakeholders’ enthusiasm and motivation to deliver such programmes to youths in a sports club environment. It was acknowledged that health promotion can be integrated in the club’s mission statement to guide members into healthier lifestyle patterns. Although the recommendations of this dissertation apply specifically to the sports club under study, they can also be applied to other clubs and sports facilities. There is scope for further research on this topic and it was deemed imperative to implement policies that address the true needs of the Maltese population and protect and promote healthier lifestyles. Local sports clubs were identified as ideal environments to stimulate such a paradigm shift and effectively disseminate health promotion messages that encourage healthier lifestyles.