The Feasibility of Using Nature-Based Settings for Physical Activity Programming: Views from Urban Youth and Program Providers

Background and Purpose Given the urgency to design programs to increase physical activity, especially to combat obesity in children, the primary purpose of this study was to investigate perceptions and opinions of a nature-based physical activity intervention designed for low-income urban adolescent...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:American journal of health education 2013-11, Vol.44 (6), p.324-334
Main Authors: Blanton, Jedediah E., Oregon, Evelyn M., Flett, M. Ryan, Gould, Daniel R., Pfeiffer, Karin A.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescent Attitudes
Adolescents
Barriers
Children & youth
Content Analysis
Exercise
Experiential Learning
Fear
Feasibility
Focus Groups
Health Behavior
Health Education
Health Promotion
Intervention
Interviews
Low Income
Low income groups
Obesity
Outcomes of Education
Physical Activity Level
Program Development
Program Evaluation
Program Implementation
Qualitative Research
United States (Midwest)
Urban Youth
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Summary:Background and Purpose Given the urgency to design programs to increase physical activity, especially to combat obesity in children, the primary purpose of this study was to investigate perceptions and opinions of a nature-based physical activity intervention designed for low-income urban adolescents. Methods Four focus groups of adolescents, ages 11 to 14, were conducted, as well as 5 individual interviews with youth programming experts. Results Focus group interviews revealed how children perceive the outdoors, including their fears and barriers to exercising outside. Expert interviews discussed the necessity of becoming embedded within a network or working alongside community programs with strong ties to a target community in order to be trusted to carry out such an intervention. Discussion and Translation to Health Education Practice Health education practitioners can use our qualitative findings in the planning, promotion, design, and evaluation of a nature-based physical activity program. Being cognizant of the fears and previous experiences of urban adolescents, as well as using the advice given by our adolescent and expert participants, should increase a program's ability to successfully recruit and facilitate a nature-based physical activity intervention.
ISSN:1932-5037
2168-3751
DOI:10.1080/19325037.2013.838893