Promoting physical activity among community groups of older women in socio-economically disadvantaged areas: randomised feasibility study

Lawlor, E. R. , Cupples, M. E., Donnelly, M. and Tully, M. A. (2019) Promoting physical activity among community groups of older women in socio-economically disadvantaged areas: randomised feasibility study. Trials, 20(1), 234. (doi: 10.1186/s13063-019-3312-9) (PMID:31023329) (PMCID:PMC6482492)

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Abstract

Background: Insufficient physical activity (PA) is a major public health issue. Whilst PA is an important contributor to disease prevention, engagement in PA decreases with age, particularly among women in socio-economically disadvantaged areas. Research using existing support networks to engage 'hard to reach' populations in PA interventions is sparse. We developed and tested the feasibility of a PA-promoting intervention for older women within existing community groups in socio-economically disadvantaged areas. Methods: The Medical Research Council guidelines for complex interventions were used to guide the intervention's development. We recruited participants (n = 40) from older (aged ≥50 years) women's groups from four different community centres. A 12-week programme was delivered during existing sessions, informed by Social Practice Theory. The sessions provided education about PA, social support in the form of a PA 'buddy', group discussion and follow-up telephone calls, as well as printed information about local opportunities to participate in PA. The main uncertainties tested were rates of participant recruitment, retention, and completion of assessments of PA by accelerometry and of mental health using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Intervention acceptability was assessed by questionnaire, and focus group interviews elicited participants' views about the intervention. Qualitative data were subjected to framework analysis. Results: The recruitment rate was high; 87% (n = 40/46) of women consented to participate, and 78% (n = 31) attended all education sessions. Uptake of follow-up telephone calls and PA 'buddies' was low. Few participants provided valid accelerometer data, but 63% (n=25) completed the HADS questionnaire at all time points. The printed materials and education sessions were viewed positively; telephone calls and 'buddy' support were not valued. Participants believed that organised group activities would lead to increased PA engagement, and whilst participants disliked wearing a waist accelerometer, they thought that regular PA feedback would facilitate necessary goal-setting. Conclusions: High recruitment and retention rates suggest that use of existing social support groups is an acceptable and attractive method of delivering a PA intervention to this population. A randomised controlled trial of the intervention appears feasible, but its design requires refinement of the social support component, facilitation of goal-setting and reconsideration of the assessment of PA.

Item Type:Articles
Additional Information:This work was carried out as part of a doctoral degree funded by the UKCRC Centre of Excellence for Public Health (Northern Ireland), a UKCRC Public Health Research Centre of Excellence. Funding from the British Heart Foundation, Cancer Research UK, Economic and Social Research Council, Medical Research Council, Research and Development Division of the Public Health Agency (Northern Ireland), and the Wellcome Trust, under the auspices of the UK Clinical Research Collaboration is gratefully acknowledged.
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Lawlor, Dr Emma
Authors: Lawlor, E. R., Cupples, M. E., Donnelly, M., and Tully, M. A.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health
Journal Name:Trials
Publisher:BioMed Central
ISSN:1745-6215
ISSN (Online):1745-6215
Copyright Holders:Copyright © The Author(s) 2019
First Published:First published in Trials 20(1):234
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons licence

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