•  
  •  
 

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 4.0 License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.

Abstract

Background: Physical activity (PA) engagement in youth is associated with numerous health benefits. However, youth PA behaviors are influenced by a complex set of factors including school and community environments and broader societal influences. Rec-ConnectTM is a community-based intervention that aims to impact PA behavior in youth. Purpose: To assess changes in youth PA behavior across multiple years of Rec-ConnectTM implementation. Methods: SNAP-eligible youth [aged 8 to 17 (n=261, matched)] who participated in Rec-ConnectTM completed a pre and post survey to assess PA knowledge and behavior change. Educators completed implementation fidelity logs. Descriptives were conducted to examine the change in PA behaviors following the program. A Poisson regression model was used to estimate the effect of key factors (pre-program exercise days, plans to do Rec-ConnectTM activities again, enjoyment of activities, learning something new, plans to be more active, and year) on post-program exercise frequency. Results: The model indicated pre-program exercise days (adjusted incidence rate ratio (IRR)=1.15, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.12-1.18) and planning to do Rec-ConnectTM activities again (adjusted IRR=1.50, 95% CI: 1.21-1.87) significantly influenced post-program exercise frequency. Overall, fidelity was high (≥ 80% met) for five of seven implementation elements. Trainings reached 135 participants (n=46 year 1; n=46 year 2; and n=43 year 3). Conclusion: Promoting the uptake of Rec-Connect™ in under resourced Michigan communities can influence the intent to be active in youth, which may result in increased or sustained PA post-program.

Download

Share

COinS