Policy assessment and policy development for physical activity promotion: results of an exploratoryintervention study in 15 European Nations

Rütten A, Abu-Omar K, Gelius P, Dinan-Young S, Frändin K, Hopman-Rock M, Young A (2012)

Publication Language: English

Publication Status: Accepted

Publication Type: Journal article, Original article

Publication year: 2012

Journal

Health research policy and systems BioMed Central

Original Authors: Rütten Alfred, Abu-Omar Karim, Gelius Peter, Dinan-Young S., Frändin K., Hopman-Rock M., Young A.

Publisher: BioMed Central

Book Volume: 10

Pages Range: 1-10

Journal Issue: 14

Abstract

Purpose of the study was to test a theoretical model to assess and develop policies for the promotion of physical activity among older people as part of an international intervention study.

Methods

248 semi-standardized interviews with policy-makers were conducted in 15 European nations. The questionnaire assessed policy-makers' perceptions of organizational goals, resources, obligations, as well as organizational, political and public opportunities in the area of physical activity promotion among older people. In order to develop policies, workshops with policy-makers were conducted. Workshop outputs and outcomes were assessed for four nations nine months after the workshops.

Results

Policy assessment: Results of the policy assessment were diverse across nations and policy sectors. For example, organizational goals regarding actions for physical activity promotion were perceived as being most favorably by the sports sector. Organizational obligations for the development of such policies were perceived as being most favorably by the health sector.

Policy development: The workshops resulted in different outputs: a national intersectoral action plan (United Kingdom), a national alliance (Sweden), an integrated policy (the Netherlands), and a continuing dialogue (Germany).

Conclusions

Theory-driven policy assessment and policy-maker workshops might be an important means of scientific engagement in policy development for health promotion.

 

Authors with CRIS profile

Alfred Rütten Lehrstuhl für Sportwissenschaft mit der Ausrichtung Gesundheitsförderung/Public Health/Sozialwissenschaften des Sports Karim Abu-Omar Lehrstuhl für Sportwissenschaft mit der Ausrichtung Gesundheitsförderung/Public Health/Sozialwissenschaften des Sports Peter Gelius Lehrstuhl für Sportwissenschaft mit der Ausrichtung Gesundheitsförderung/Public Health/Sozialwissenschaften des Sports

Involved external institutions

University College London (UCL) GB United Kingdom (GB) Karolinska Institute SE Sweden (SE) Academic Medical Centre / Academisch Medisch Centrum (AMC) NL Netherlands (NL) University of Edinburgh GB United Kingdom (GB)

How to cite

APA:

Rütten, A., Abu-Omar, K., Gelius, P., Dinan-Young, S., Frändin, K., Hopman-Rock, M., & Young, A. (2012). Policy assessment and policy development for physical activity promotion: results of an exploratoryintervention study in 15 European Nations. Health research policy and systems, 10(14), 1-10.

MLA:

Rütten, Alfred, et al. "Policy assessment and policy development for physical activity promotion: results of an exploratoryintervention study in 15 European Nations." Health research policy and systems 10.14 (2012): 1-10.

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