ERIC Number: EJ1037658
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2014
Pages: 11
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1932-5037
EISSN: N/A
Challenges in Offering Inner-City After-School Physical Activity Clubs
Maljak, Kimberly; Garn, Alex; McCaughtry, Nate; Kulik, Noel; Martin, Jeffrey; Shen, Bo; Whalen, Laurel; Fahlman, Mariane
American Journal of Health Education, v45 n5 p297-307 2014
Background: Offering physical activity clubs (PACs) for students in urban high schools can provide avenues for increased physical activity (PA); however, little is known about why some clubs are not successful. Purpose: The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine leaders' and students' perspectives on the challenges faced when implementing PACs. Methods: Field observations (n = 115) and interviews with students (n = 278) and adult leaders (n = 126) were conducted over 2 years. The population-based health promotion model (PHPM) was used to analyze and interpret complex interrelationships. Results: Four themes emerged: (1) finding consistently available facility space, (2) providing snacks for adolescents, (3) securing reliable transportation, and (4) balancing clubs with other after-school obligations. Discussion: Leader and students reported challenges that intersected at all 3 streams: upstream, midstream, and downstream. With economic poverty within the community presenting as an upstream challenge, the importance of identifying midstream mechanisms becomes paramount, especially in the case of providing after-school nourishment for hungry students. With respect to transportation, upstream (e.g., community poverty; public transportation; environment) and midstream (e.g., school policies) influences converged and presented a barrier to PAC participation. Translation to Health Education Practice: Efforts to implement PACs should consider upstream parameters that imprint midstream school-level support.
Descriptors: Physical Activities, Clubs, After School Programs, Urban Areas, High School Students, Qualitative Research, Student Attitudes, Leadership, Educational Facilities, Food, Transportation, Poverty, School Policy, Health Education, Health Promotion, Teacher Attitudes, Prevention, Intervention, Participant Observation, Interviews
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 325 Chestnut Street Suite 800, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Fax: 215-625-2940; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: High Schools; Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A