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Sporting organisations as settings for health promotion: What is going on in the sport sector?
e90
Abstracts / Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport 12 (2010) e1–e232
attract people who face health and social barriers to participation.
183 Club sport: Contributing to health-related quality of life? R. Eime 1,∗ , J. Harvey 1 , W. Payne 1 , W. Brown 2 1 University 2 University
of Ballarat of Queensland
Introduction: Previous studies have reported positive associations between Physical Activity (PA) and general health, but with the exception of walking, they have not examined the relationships between participation in different types of PA and Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL). Given the social nature of participation in sport, we hypothesised that sports club participants would have greater HRQoL than participants in other forms of PA. The purpose of this study was to examine HRQoL and life satisfaction in women who participate in three contrasting forms of PA; club sport, gymnasium activities and walking. Methods: This was an observational study of the relationship between type, frequency and duration of PA with measures of HRQoL (SF-36) and life satisfaction in 793 women living in rural Victoria, Australia in 2007. Data were compared with those from a normative population sample of 2345 women. The potential confounders were age, marital status, having children aged less than 16 years, and perceived financial stress. ANOVA was used to investigate differences between groups with respect to the dependent variables. ANCOVA was used to adjust differences for the effects of the potential confounders. Results: After adjusting for potential confounders there were significant differences between groups for six of the SF36 subscale scores (Physical Role Functioning (p = 0.003); General Health (p = 0.054); Vitality (p < 0.001); Social Functioning p = 0.004); Emotional Role Functioning (p = 0.034); Mental Health (p = 0.004)) as well as for the Mental Health Component Score (p = 0.003), and the Life Satisfaction score (p < 0.001). In each case the club group had the highest mean score, with differences between club and gymnasium groups significant for all 8 variables, and between club and walk groups for 4 variables. The mean differences in MCS scores between sports club and gym groups (unadjusted 2.28; adjusted 2.77) are of a magnitude representing a clinically significant difference in mental wellbeing. Conclusion: Whilst cross-sectional research cannot definitively establish a causal link, our results suggest that sport clubs are likely to enhance the health benefits of PA, and hence provide support for the notion that club sport is a beneficial setting for health promotion. Given the obesity epidemic in the general population, and the fact that sport is available to the general population and is much less expensive than clinical treatment, the results add evidence to the rationale for greater promotion of sport for health benefit. Sports must however develop strategies to
doi:10.1016/j.jsams.2009.10.184 184 Sporting organisations as settings for health promotion: What is going on in the sport sector? M. Casey ∗ , J. Harvey, W. Payne, R. Eime University of Ballarat Sport and recreation settings have been used to encourage healthier behaviours through a legislative and policy approach to health promotion via the replacement of tobacco industry sponsorship with health-focused sponsorship. Few studies have used standard and rigorous evaluation tools to identify health promotion policies and practices in sport settings. This study identified health promotion changes within Sport Governing Organisations (SGOs) with respect to the implementation of sport-related health promotion policies and practices in the context of SGO-organised events and in terms of the support provided by SGOs to their affiliated clubs. The Health Promotion and Sport Assessment Tool (HP-SAT) was used to measure health promotion policies and practices regarding smoke-free environments, responsible serving of alcohol, healthy eating, sun protection, injury prevention, club management, and a miscellaneous “other” category (e.g., engagement of health inequality groups). The HP-SAT has moderate to excellent reliability (0.41–0.99). Participants completed the HP-SAT in two phases—first they identified their SGOs current health promotion policies and practices (2007); and second they reflected of their SGO’s health promotion policies and practices prior to funding from a health promotion body (2003). For each substantive area in the HP-SAT (e.g. smoke-free environments) a composite score was calculated by summing the numerically coded responses to each item pertaining to the particular area. The scores represented the existence and implementation of health promotion policies and practices and were expressed on a scale of 0-100. Paired samples t-tests were used to test for differences in the scores between the two time points. The mean existence and implementation scores for sport-related health promotion policies and practices for SGO-organised events ranged from 42.9 to 77.6 at the retrospective survey, and increased significantly for the current survey (range: 67.8–90.6; p < 0.05) for all composite scores except sun protection and injury prevention policies. The mean existence and implementation score for sport-related health promotion policies and practices for SGO affiliated clubs ranged from 20.8 to 64.7 at the retrospective survey and 46.3–88.5 at the current survey. Statistically significant increases were found for all composite scores except sun protection and injury prevention (p < 0.05). The existence and implementation of items relating to healthy eating were lowest for both surveys;
Abstracts / Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport 12 (2010) e1–e232
whilst responses for club management and injury prevention were highest for both surveys. These data indicate that sport has increased its capacity and role in promoting good health since 2003. doi:10.1016/j.jsams.2009.10.185 185 What is the best way to develop healthy and welcoming sports clubs? W. Payne ∗ , R. Eime, M. Casey, A. Donaldson
e91
and priorities through the use of SGO-provided resources. Clubs reportedly enjoyed identifying their own priorities and continually developing within their own capacities and time frames. This approach favoured the development of HWE practices rather than policies. In contrast to accepted health promotion approaches, RA and SA were equally endorsed by their recipients. These findings will be discussed in relation to models of organisational transformation and capacity building. doi:10.1016/j.jsams.2009.10.186 186
University of Ballarat Introduction: Optimizing sporting organisations’ capacity to promote health requires development and implementation of appropriate policies and practices. One part of public health policy development involves establishing and enforcing rules and regulations via either externally enforced regulation (Regulatory Approach: RA) or by providing a broad regulatory framework to empower individuals and organisations to pro-actively identify and address contextually relevant issues through member participation (Self-assessment Approach: SA). SA is generally preferred in health promotion to facilitate organizational change, sustainability and ownership. Recently health promotion agencies have funded Sports Governing Organisations (SGOs) to develop policies and practices to promote the adoption of healthy and welcoming environments (HWEs) in affiliated clubs, thereby enhancing active participation and membership. The purpose of this study was to determine which of the two approaches should be used when implementing policy to promote HWEs in clubs. Methodology: Part A: Two focus groups were held, each with representatives of four SGOs. Part B: In-depth exploration involving interviews with SGO HWE program coordinators and representatives of individual community clubs (RA: n = 7, SA: n = 12) in two sports, one using RA and one SA. Results/conclusions: Part A revealed four SGOs adopted SA, two adopted RA, and two had no formal program. With the SA, there was a conscious effort by SGOs not to overload the community clubs given the limited capacity of club volunteers. The approach focused on providing best practice examples and tools to enable clubs to identify their own needs and priorities. The RA was considered very formal and directed, and usually implemented in a staged way as part of a comprehensive club development program. One SGO believed that the RA made it easier for clubs to better understand the HWE program. Part B revealed that both approaches had preferred elements. The club representatives liked the RA as it provided clear guidelines and expectations. It also assisted in standardising policies and practices and therefore assisted clubs to sustain effective management systems. The SA required that clubs had the capacity to identify their needs
Understanding and addressing the barriers to sport and recreation participation, for disadvantaged communities in Victoria D. Batras 1,∗ , B. Smith 1 , M. Thomas 2 , W. Hodge 2 1 Monash 2 ARTD
University Consultants
Introduction: While population based physical activity programs can have a broad reach they often do not successfully engage socially disadvantaged members of the community. Involvement in organised sport and recreation can potentially offer disadvantaged groups a range of benefits, including improved social, mental and physical wellbeing. In Victoria, 61 sporting and community organisations have been funded by VicHealth over four years to implement strategies to increase sport and recreational participation amongst people with disabilities, low socioeconomic status, or who are Indigenous or new arrivals to Australia. In-depth evaluation of the work of 22 of the funded organisations is examining strategies used across the organisations, who the programs reached, how barriers to participation were identified and addressed. Methodology: The evaluation is being conducted over three years, involving mixed quantitative and qualitative methods. Data collection in year one has entailed indepth interviews conducted using a semi-structured interview guide, with 43 project managers, project workers and senior managers. Results: Major themes relating to the challenges associated with working with/for the four target groups have emerged. To develop appropriate sport and recreation opportunities, organisations have undertaken “trust building”, partnership development and community consultation with their targeted communities. Organisations reported that the “right” partners to facilitate community links, provide expert advice and help guide the direction their projects has been instrumental for addressing barriers. The barriers of cost and transport to activities are prominent. However, understanding amongst project teams of how these barriers manifest for the four target groups is changing with the identification of culture and context specific barriers. Project teams
Abstracts / Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport 12 (2010) e1–e232
attract people who face health and social barriers to participation.
183 Club sport: Contributing to health-related quality of life? R. Eime 1,∗ , J. Harvey 1 , W. Payne 1 , W. Brown 2 1 University 2 University
of Ballarat of Queensland
Introduction: Previous studies have reported positive associations between Physical Activity (PA) and general health, but with the exception of walking, they have not examined the relationships between participation in different types of PA and Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL). Given the social nature of participation in sport, we hypothesised that sports club participants would have greater HRQoL than participants in other forms of PA. The purpose of this study was to examine HRQoL and life satisfaction in women who participate in three contrasting forms of PA; club sport, gymnasium activities and walking. Methods: This was an observational study of the relationship between type, frequency and duration of PA with measures of HRQoL (SF-36) and life satisfaction in 793 women living in rural Victoria, Australia in 2007. Data were compared with those from a normative population sample of 2345 women. The potential confounders were age, marital status, having children aged less than 16 years, and perceived financial stress. ANOVA was used to investigate differences between groups with respect to the dependent variables. ANCOVA was used to adjust differences for the effects of the potential confounders. Results: After adjusting for potential confounders there were significant differences between groups for six of the SF36 subscale scores (Physical Role Functioning (p = 0.003); General Health (p = 0.054); Vitality (p < 0.001); Social Functioning p = 0.004); Emotional Role Functioning (p = 0.034); Mental Health (p = 0.004)) as well as for the Mental Health Component Score (p = 0.003), and the Life Satisfaction score (p < 0.001). In each case the club group had the highest mean score, with differences between club and gymnasium groups significant for all 8 variables, and between club and walk groups for 4 variables. The mean differences in MCS scores between sports club and gym groups (unadjusted 2.28; adjusted 2.77) are of a magnitude representing a clinically significant difference in mental wellbeing. Conclusion: Whilst cross-sectional research cannot definitively establish a causal link, our results suggest that sport clubs are likely to enhance the health benefits of PA, and hence provide support for the notion that club sport is a beneficial setting for health promotion. Given the obesity epidemic in the general population, and the fact that sport is available to the general population and is much less expensive than clinical treatment, the results add evidence to the rationale for greater promotion of sport for health benefit. Sports must however develop strategies to
doi:10.1016/j.jsams.2009.10.184 184 Sporting organisations as settings for health promotion: What is going on in the sport sector? M. Casey ∗ , J. Harvey, W. Payne, R. Eime University of Ballarat Sport and recreation settings have been used to encourage healthier behaviours through a legislative and policy approach to health promotion via the replacement of tobacco industry sponsorship with health-focused sponsorship. Few studies have used standard and rigorous evaluation tools to identify health promotion policies and practices in sport settings. This study identified health promotion changes within Sport Governing Organisations (SGOs) with respect to the implementation of sport-related health promotion policies and practices in the context of SGO-organised events and in terms of the support provided by SGOs to their affiliated clubs. The Health Promotion and Sport Assessment Tool (HP-SAT) was used to measure health promotion policies and practices regarding smoke-free environments, responsible serving of alcohol, healthy eating, sun protection, injury prevention, club management, and a miscellaneous “other” category (e.g., engagement of health inequality groups). The HP-SAT has moderate to excellent reliability (0.41–0.99). Participants completed the HP-SAT in two phases—first they identified their SGOs current health promotion policies and practices (2007); and second they reflected of their SGO’s health promotion policies and practices prior to funding from a health promotion body (2003). For each substantive area in the HP-SAT (e.g. smoke-free environments) a composite score was calculated by summing the numerically coded responses to each item pertaining to the particular area. The scores represented the existence and implementation of health promotion policies and practices and were expressed on a scale of 0-100. Paired samples t-tests were used to test for differences in the scores between the two time points. The mean existence and implementation scores for sport-related health promotion policies and practices for SGO-organised events ranged from 42.9 to 77.6 at the retrospective survey, and increased significantly for the current survey (range: 67.8–90.6; p < 0.05) for all composite scores except sun protection and injury prevention policies. The mean existence and implementation score for sport-related health promotion policies and practices for SGO affiliated clubs ranged from 20.8 to 64.7 at the retrospective survey and 46.3–88.5 at the current survey. Statistically significant increases were found for all composite scores except sun protection and injury prevention (p < 0.05). The existence and implementation of items relating to healthy eating were lowest for both surveys;
Abstracts / Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport 12 (2010) e1–e232
whilst responses for club management and injury prevention were highest for both surveys. These data indicate that sport has increased its capacity and role in promoting good health since 2003. doi:10.1016/j.jsams.2009.10.185 185 What is the best way to develop healthy and welcoming sports clubs? W. Payne ∗ , R. Eime, M. Casey, A. Donaldson
e91
and priorities through the use of SGO-provided resources. Clubs reportedly enjoyed identifying their own priorities and continually developing within their own capacities and time frames. This approach favoured the development of HWE practices rather than policies. In contrast to accepted health promotion approaches, RA and SA were equally endorsed by their recipients. These findings will be discussed in relation to models of organisational transformation and capacity building. doi:10.1016/j.jsams.2009.10.186 186
University of Ballarat Introduction: Optimizing sporting organisations’ capacity to promote health requires development and implementation of appropriate policies and practices. One part of public health policy development involves establishing and enforcing rules and regulations via either externally enforced regulation (Regulatory Approach: RA) or by providing a broad regulatory framework to empower individuals and organisations to pro-actively identify and address contextually relevant issues through member participation (Self-assessment Approach: SA). SA is generally preferred in health promotion to facilitate organizational change, sustainability and ownership. Recently health promotion agencies have funded Sports Governing Organisations (SGOs) to develop policies and practices to promote the adoption of healthy and welcoming environments (HWEs) in affiliated clubs, thereby enhancing active participation and membership. The purpose of this study was to determine which of the two approaches should be used when implementing policy to promote HWEs in clubs. Methodology: Part A: Two focus groups were held, each with representatives of four SGOs. Part B: In-depth exploration involving interviews with SGO HWE program coordinators and representatives of individual community clubs (RA: n = 7, SA: n = 12) in two sports, one using RA and one SA. Results/conclusions: Part A revealed four SGOs adopted SA, two adopted RA, and two had no formal program. With the SA, there was a conscious effort by SGOs not to overload the community clubs given the limited capacity of club volunteers. The approach focused on providing best practice examples and tools to enable clubs to identify their own needs and priorities. The RA was considered very formal and directed, and usually implemented in a staged way as part of a comprehensive club development program. One SGO believed that the RA made it easier for clubs to better understand the HWE program. Part B revealed that both approaches had preferred elements. The club representatives liked the RA as it provided clear guidelines and expectations. It also assisted in standardising policies and practices and therefore assisted clubs to sustain effective management systems. The SA required that clubs had the capacity to identify their needs
Understanding and addressing the barriers to sport and recreation participation, for disadvantaged communities in Victoria D. Batras 1,∗ , B. Smith 1 , M. Thomas 2 , W. Hodge 2 1 Monash 2 ARTD
University Consultants
Introduction: While population based physical activity programs can have a broad reach they often do not successfully engage socially disadvantaged members of the community. Involvement in organised sport and recreation can potentially offer disadvantaged groups a range of benefits, including improved social, mental and physical wellbeing. In Victoria, 61 sporting and community organisations have been funded by VicHealth over four years to implement strategies to increase sport and recreational participation amongst people with disabilities, low socioeconomic status, or who are Indigenous or new arrivals to Australia. In-depth evaluation of the work of 22 of the funded organisations is examining strategies used across the organisations, who the programs reached, how barriers to participation were identified and addressed. Methodology: The evaluation is being conducted over three years, involving mixed quantitative and qualitative methods. Data collection in year one has entailed indepth interviews conducted using a semi-structured interview guide, with 43 project managers, project workers and senior managers. Results: Major themes relating to the challenges associated with working with/for the four target groups have emerged. To develop appropriate sport and recreation opportunities, organisations have undertaken “trust building”, partnership development and community consultation with their targeted communities. Organisations reported that the “right” partners to facilitate community links, provide expert advice and help guide the direction their projects has been instrumental for addressing barriers. The barriers of cost and transport to activities are prominent. However, understanding amongst project teams of how these barriers manifest for the four target groups is changing with the identification of culture and context specific barriers. Project teams