Committing to a health promotion program: an Australian case study
RIS ID
111486
Abstract
An Australian exercise and health promotion program for older people with diabetes was examined to explore what factors are required for participants to commit to such a program. A two-phased qualitative hermeneutic phenomenology research design was used incorporating 15 semistructured interviews with adults aged over 55 with diabetes, followed by a focus group to member check emerging themes. Commitment was recognized as a necessary factor for participants to continue to be part of an exercise and health promotion program. Two factors were perceived to be most critical in committing to such a program: first, having an obligation to undertake the program-"signing up and being part of"-and second, "continuing in and being actively engaged" in the program. This second factor was seen to be influenced by person-centeredness and individualization, experiencing personal benefits and connectedness with others. The findings from this research could inform exercise and health promotion program strategies that then lead to increased engagement and stronger commitment of older people with diabetes to such programs.
Publication Details
Middleton, R., Moxham, L. & Parrish, D. (2016). Committing to a health promotion program: an Australian case study. Global Journal of Health Education and Promotion, 17 (3), 103-134.