Perceptions of participants and staff of implementing a physical activity program in rural primary care

Jill R Reed; Danae Dinkel; Matthew R Bice; Paul Estabrooks; Bunny Pozehl; Kate Heelan

doi:10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2019.101772

Perceptions of participants and staff of implementing a physical activity program in rural primary care

Eval Program Plann. 2020 Apr:79:101772. doi: 10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2019.101772. Epub 2019 Dec 16.

Authors

Jill R Reed¹, Danae Dinkel², Matthew R Bice³, Paul Estabrooks⁴, Bunny Pozehl⁵, Kate Heelan⁶

Affiliations

¹ University of Nebraska Medical Center, College of Nursing, 2402 University Drive, Kearney, NE 68849-4510, USA. Electronic address: jrreed@unmc.edu.
² University of Nebraska, 6001 Dodge Street, Omaha, NE 68182 USA. Electronic address: dmdinkel@unomaha.edu.
³ University of Nebraska, 2504 9th Ave., Kearney, NE 68849, USA. Electronic address: bicemr@unk.edu.
⁴ University of Nebraska Medical Center, 42nd and Emile, Omaha, NE 68198, USA. Electronic address: paul.estabrooks@unmc.edu.
⁵ University of Nebraska Medical Center, 42nd and Emile, Omaha, NE 68198, USA. Electronic address: bpozehl@unmc.edu.
⁶ University of Nebraska, 2504 9th Ave., Kearney, NE 68849, USA. Electronic address: heelanka@unk.edu.

PMID: 31869624
DOI: 10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2019.101772

Abstract

Addressing the lack of physical activity (PA) in rural adults is vital because of the role it plays in the risk for many chronic diseases. The purpose of the study was to explore the feasibility of conducting a 12-week intervention utilizing a Fitbit to increase PA behavior in inactive rural adults recruited from a primary care clinic. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with study participants (n=10) and a focus group was held with nurses (n=7) from the primary care clinic. Data were analyzed using the process of immersion/crystallization. Participants and nurses both felt the program had a positive impact on PA and that the program was needed in the community. Study participants most often reported their favorite part of the study was being able to track their activity as well as the goal setting. However, study participants reported barriers to continued participation in PA related to a lack of time and ability to be active in cold weather. Further, nursing staff reported barriers in regard to a lack of resources (staffing and money) These barriers need to be examined further and addressed in order to implement a sustainable PA program that can be maintained through a primary care clinic.

Keywords: Physical activity; Program evaluation; Rural.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Adult
Attitude of Health Personnel
Exercise*
Female
Fitness Trackers
Health Promotion / economics
Health Promotion / organization & administration*
Humans
Interviews as Topic
Male
Middle Aged
Nurse's Role
Nursing Staff / psychology*
Patient Acceptance of Health Care
Patient Compliance
Perception
Primary Health Care / economics
Primary Health Care / organization & administration*
Program Evaluation
Qualitative Research
Rural Health Services / economics
Rural Health Services / organization & administration*
Socioeconomic Factors
Time Factors
Weather