Toward Whole-of-System Action to Promote Physical Activity: A Cross-Sectoral Analysis of Physical Activity Policy in Australia

Tracy Nau , Lee K, Smith BJ, Bellew W, Reece L, Gelius P, Rutter H, Bauman A (2019)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2019

Journal

Journal of Physical Activity and Health Human Kinetics

Book Volume: 16

Pages Range: 1029-1038

Journal Issue: 11

DOI: 10.1123/jpah.2019-0122

Abstract

Background: The value of a systems thinking approach to tackling population physical inactivity is increasingly recognized. This study used conceptual systems thinking to develop a cognitive map for physical activity (PA) influences and intervention points, which informed a standardized approach to the coding and notation of PA-related policies in Australia. Methods: Policies were identified through desktop searches and input from 33 nominated government representatives attending 2 national PA policy workshops. Documents were audited using predefined criteria spanning policy development, strategic approaches to PA, implementation processes, and evaluation. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: The audit included 110 policies, mainly led by the health or planning/infrastructure sectors (n = 54, 49%). Most policies purporting to promote PA did so as a cobenefit of another objective that was not focused on PA (n = 63, 57%). An intention to monitor progress was indicated in most (n = 94, 85%); however, fewer than half (n = 52, 47%) contained evaluable goals/actions relevant to PA. Descriptions of resourcing/funding arrangements were generally absent or lacked specific commitment (n = 67, 61%). Conclusions: This study describes current PA-relevant policy in Australia and identifies opportunities for improving coordination, implementation, and evaluation to strengthen a whole-of-system and cross-agency approach to increasing population PA.

Authors with CRIS profile

Peter Gelius Lehrstuhl für Sportwissenschaft mit dem Schwerpunkt Bewegung und Gesundheit

Involved external institutions

University of Sydney (USYD) AU Australia (AU) University of Bath GB United Kingdom (GB)

How to cite

APA:

Tracy Nau, ., Lee, K., Smith, B.J., Bellew, W., Reece, L., Gelius, P.,... Bauman, A. (2019). Toward Whole-of-System Action to Promote Physical Activity: A Cross-Sectoral Analysis of Physical Activity Policy in Australia. Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 16(11), 1029-1038. https://dx.doi.org/10.1123/jpah.2019-0122

MLA:

Tracy Nau, , et al. "Toward Whole-of-System Action to Promote Physical Activity: A Cross-Sectoral Analysis of Physical Activity Policy in Australia." Journal of Physical Activity and Health 16.11 (2019): 1029-1038.

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