Journal article
Community and Organizational Readiness to Adopt a Physical Activity Intervention in Micropolitan Settings
Health promotion practice, Vol.26(3), pp.486-495
05/2025
DOI: 10.1177/15248399231221728
PMID: 38264839
Abstract
Background
Assessing community and organizational readiness is key to successfully implementing programs. The purpose of this study was to assess the baseline readiness of micropolitan communities to adopt an evidence-based physical activity (PA) intervention by exploring three dimensions: (1) attitudes and current efforts toward prevention, (2) community and organizational climate that facilitates (or impedes) change, and (3) capacity to implement change.
Method
Data were collected from community leaders in 14 communities through an online survey in June 2021 (n = 149). Data were analyzed in aggregate using descriptive statistics for multiple-choice responses and content analysis for open ended responses. One-way repeated analyses of variance were used to compare mean score differences.
Results
In reference to their attitudes prior to the pandemic, respondents said that addressing PA was “somewhat a priority” in their professional positions (M = 2.01, SD = 0.94), their organizations (M = 2.08, SD = 0.91), and their communities (M = 2.28, SD = 0.88). Current PA efforts included statewide initiatives, community sponsored events/clubs, and youth sports leagues. The community climate included both PA facilitators (mainly outdoor PA resources) and barriers (cost, lack of social services, and an unsupportive PA environment). Individual-level capacity (M = 2.94; SD = 1.21) to adopt a PA program was regarded lower than the community’s capacity (M = 3.95; SD = 0.82), and perceptions of capacity at the community level improved even more if technical assistance (M = 3.96; SD = 0.84) or financial support (M = 4.12; SD = 0.80) were provided.
Conclusion
Readiness varied by dimension, suggesting the need for tailored implementation supports including technical assistance and financial support.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Community and Organizational Readiness to Adopt a Physical Activity Intervention in Micropolitan Settings
- Creators
- Nicole Gauthreaux - University of IowaRebecca Bucklin - University of IowaAnna Correa - University of IowaEliza Steere - University of IowaHanh Pham - University of IowaRima A Afifi - University of IowaNatoshia M Askelson - University of Iowa
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Health promotion practice, Vol.26(3), pp.486-495
- DOI
- 10.1177/15248399231221728
- PMID
- 38264839
- NLM abbreviation
- Health Promot Pract
- ISSN
- 1524-8399
- eISSN
- 1552-6372
- Publisher
- Sage
- Grant note
- DOI: 10.13039/100000030, name: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, award: U48DP006389
- Language
- English
- Electronic publication date
- 01/24/2024
- Date published
- 05/2025
- Academic Unit
- Injury Prevention Research Center; Community and Behavioral Health
- Record Identifier
- 9984548570202771
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