Week 3 – Socio-Ecological Models and Physical Activity

1) Components of the social-ecological models (individual, social environment, physical environment and policy) Key Knowledge

Understanding the Model Models are used to provide a framework to understand the numerous factors and behaviours that enable or act as barriers to physical activity participation. In the context of physical activity, the term intervention is used to describe a strategy, program or policy that is designed to have an impact on physical activity participation. Models are used to inform intervention development, implementation and evaluation

Types of Models  Health belief model—Many of these theories highlight the importance of self-efficacy in predicting behaviour change. People with high self-efficacy believe that they are capable of performing in a certain way to achieve set goals. People with low self-efficacy believe that they do not have the power to affect their own performance or outcomes.  Transtheoretical model (stages of change model)—individuals move through stages: first, being either aware or unaware of a problem with their behaviour with no thought to change; second, wanting to change behaviour; third, making imminent plans to change; fourth, exhibiting the new behaviour; and, finally, maintaining the new behaviour over an extended period of time. 1. pre-contemplation 2. contemplation 3. preparation 4. action 5. maintenance 6. termination  Theory of reasoned action/theory of planned behaviour— intentions to engage in activity are a good predictor of future physical activity. Intentions among individuals vary due to the influences of personal attitudes and adherence to social norms. Smith, D. et al (2006). Live it up 2: VCE Physical Education Units 3 & 4. Australian Council for Health, Physical Education and Recreation, Q.L.D, Australia.

Why use a Socio-ecological model?  To chance human behaviour it is very difficult!  Human behaviour is influenced by multiple factors, the socio-ecological model helps to identify opportunities to promote participation in physical activity.  When multiple levels of influence are addressed at the same time, change in behaviour is more likely to be successful and sustained

Components of the social- ecological model Intrapersonal Perceived Environment Behaviour: Active Living Domains Behaviour Settings: Access and Characteristics Policy Environment It is these factors that need to be targeted when designing physical activity intervention programs.

Source: Sallis, et al, (2006). An ecological approach to creating active living communities. Annual review of public health. (27): It is these factors that need to be targeted when designing physical activity intervention programs.

Intrapersonal  Demographics  Biological  Psychological  Family Situation  knowledge, attitudes, behaviours, beliefs, perceived barriers  motivation, enjoyment  skills (including fundamental motor skills and sports specific skills)  abilities, disabilities or injuries  Age  Sex  level of education  socioeconomic status  employment status  self-efficacy. Interventions: Education programs Support groups Counseling Mass media

Perceived Environment  Safety  Attractiveness  Comfort  Accessibility  Convenience  Perceived crime

Behaviour: Active Living Domains 1. Active Recreation 2. Active Transport 3. Household Activities 4. Occupational Activities

Behaviour Settings: Access and Characteristics  Active Recreation Neighborhood – ped /bike facilities, aethetics, traffic safety Recreation Environment – Home PA equipment, park, trails, facilities, programs, community organizations, sports, pro and sedentary options  Active Transport Neighborhood – walkability, ped / bike facilities, parking, transit, traffic Info during transport – safety signage, radio ads and news, billboards Household Activities  Household Activities PA equipment, Gardens, Stairs, Electronic entertainment, labor-saving devices Occupational Activities  Workplace environment Neighborhood walkability, parking, transit access, trail access, building design, stair design, PA facilities and programs

Policy Environment 1) Active Transport  Zoning Codes, development regulations, traffic investments, traffic demand management, parking regulations 2) Occupational Activities  School policies, PE policies and funding, Facility access policies, Facilities budget 3) Household Activities  Subsidized equipment, health care policies, zoning codes, home prices, housing- jobs balance 4) Active Recreation  Health care policies and incentives, public recreation investments, park policies, transport investments

There are many ways to present this model Adapted from Sallis, J F & Owen, N 1999, Physical Activity and Behavioural Medicine, Sage Publications, Thousand Oaks, California, USA.