bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
O.5.3-8 Prospects and challenges of real-world labs in physical activity promotion
Authors: Till Maike , Gelius Peter , Abu-Omar Karim , Bergmann Matthias , Popp Johanna , Messing Sven
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Participatory health promotion uses an array of different concepts to describe project processes and effects, including empowerment, capacity building, and capabilities. In practice, however, these concepts may hamper project scalability, compatibility with state-of-the-art health concepts, and efforts to counteract social inequities. We introduce the concept of real-world labs as a potential solution for current problems in participatory health promotion and investigate its practical applicability using the case example of an existing physical activity promotion project.

Methods

We analyze current problems in participatory health promotion that emanate from the utilization of certain popular theoretical concepts. We then introduce real-world labs as a potential solution. Using the PArC-AVE-Project (Physical Activity-related Health Competence in Apprenticeship and Vocational Education) as a case example, we show how the approach can be used retrospectively to address the aforementioned issues.

Results

Real-world labs are a type of transdisciplinary approach at the intersection of research and society. They help create an environment for flexibly testing innovative solutions under changing conditions using small-scale “real-world experiments” and feedback loops. However, the approach is so far not commonly used in participatory health promotion. The example of PArC-AVE illustrates that existing participatory projects can potentially be developed towards becoming real-world labs. Relevant perspectives for this include (a) the targeted integration of different actors into the participation process, (b) more variable approaches to scaling-up interventions, (c) a more flexible utilization of different participation methods, and (d) a better recognition of concepts such as planetary health.

Conclusions

The real-world lab approach has the potential to increase the range of options available to participatory health and physical activity promotion. However, only further practical testing will show whether it is indeed effective in overcoming social inequities and ameliorating the high degree of context-dependence of many participatory projects.
O.6.1-1 Knowledge and awareness of physical activity among Irish adolescents: findings from a whole-of-school programme
Authors: Grady Caera L , Ng Kwok , Murtagh Elaine , Woods Catherine B
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Adolescents are among the least physically active population sub-groups. Adolescence is a key transition period in which physical activity (PA) habits develop and track into adulthood. Knowledge and awareness are key factors of behaviour change. Yet, few adolescents can correctly identify the recommended PA guidelines to achieve health benefits. In Ireland, the second-level Active School Flag (SLASF) programme is an example of a whole-of-school programme (https://activeschoolflag.ie/). This study aimed to examine the change in adolescents’ levels of knowledge and awareness of PA at the beginning at end of year one of a whole-of-school programme.

Methods

A repeated measures study design with a questionnaire administered in five SLASF schools during Nov 2021 and May 2022 (N = 301, 60.5% male, Mean age=15.5y± 1.82). Items from the determinants of PA questionnaire (DPAQ), health literacy 10-item questionnaire, programme specific variables relating to knowledge and awareness of SLASF, identifying the correct recommended PA guidelines and self-reported moderate-vigorous PA (MVPA) were included. A paired t-test or Wilcoxon-signed ranked test were run to determine mean differences over time for DPAQ- knowledge and beliefs about consequences, health literacy, the ability to report the recommended PA guidelines over time and self-reported PA levels. A chi-squared test was used for the programme related categorical variables.

Results

Adolescents MVPA increased from November (M = 3.82±1.92) to May (M = 3.96±1.9) (t(389) = -1.446, p<.001). There was an improvement in adolescents knowing the reasons for meeting the guidelines (Z= -4.113, p<.001) from Nov (M = 5.05±1.59) to May (M = 4.48±1.89). Furthermore, there was an increased previous awareness of the programme from Nov (M=.63±.67) to May (M=.77±.63) (X2(4, N = 296) = 62.96, p<.001). Participants awareness of the programme leaders in the school increased over time: Staff (M=.35±.48) to (M=.42±.5) (X2(1, N = 197) = 37.7, p<.001), Students (M=.32±.47) to (M=.36±.48) (X2(1, N = 204) = 21.35, p<.001).

Conclusions

Across the year, participants in SLASF schools became more physically active. Some aspects of knowledge and awareness of both PA and the SLASF programme showed promising improvements however, these participants are in the early stages of the SLASF programme thus, it would be beneficial to observe these changes over a longer period of time.
O.6.1-6 Process evaluation findings of the CHARMING intervention: exploring the involvement of community- and peer role models within a school-based physical activity intervention
Authors: Morgan Kelly , Van Godwin Jordan , Pell Bethan , Cannings-John Rebecca , Edwards Rhiannon Tudor , Granger Rachel , Hallingberg Britt , Moore Graham , van Sluijs Esther , Whiteley Holly , Hawkins Jemma
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This study explored the involvement of community- and peer role models within the CHARMING (CHoosing Active Role Models to INspire Girls) intervention, aiming to increase and sustain physical activity among 9–10-year-old girls. CHARMING involves community role models delivering different 1-hour weekly taster physical activities with peer role models (e.g., older girls from secondary schools) supporting. Sessions take place after-school on the primary school premises over 6-weeks. The main research questions are i) Is it feasible and acceptable to recruit role models? and ii) What are the perceived barriers and facilitators to inclusion of peer role models within the intervention? This innovative research uses a theory-informed intervention which adopts a school-community partnership approach.

Methods

A mixed methods process evaluation was embedded within a larger feasibility study, involving three secondary schools and four adjoining primary schools in South Wales, United Kingdom. One-to-one interviews were conducted with teachers (N = 10) across the seven schools and community role models (N = 10). Focus groups were conducted with 18 peer role models and 31 girls aged 9-10-years who participated in the intervention. Primary school teachers kept observation logs of each intervention session. A researcher completed observation logs of two random sessions per school. Qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis with a combined deductive and inductive coding approach. Observation data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Data were triangulated and comparative analyses conducted across schools.

Results

Twenty-three peer role models (aged 12-16-years) and 16 community role models participated in intervention delivery. Overall, the inclusion of both types of role models was shown as acceptable and feasible within the CHARMING intervention. Six themes were identified during analyses; reach and access, communication, logistics, existing systems, interpersonal relationships, and perceived impacts. Themes were intertwined across the barriers and facilitators of recruitment and implementation. Observation data highlighted intervention components which were not implemented consistently by role models. Areas for future improvement were highlighted.

Conclusions

Findings can be used to optimise the CHARMING intervention and inform wider interventions or policies employing several role models across settings to promote physical activity among children.

Funding Source

Health Care Research Wales Health Award (HRG-18-1494), DECIPHer (MR/KO232331/1).
O.6.1-7 Self-evaluation survey supporting student participation in physical activity promotion in lower secondary schools
Authors: Rajala Katja , Hakonen Harto , Lehtonen Kati , Kämppi Katariina
Published: September 2023

Purpose

A self-evaluation survey for students was developed in 2021 as a part of the national programme called Finnish Schools on the Move (FSM). The purpose of the survey is to increase and strengthen student participation in developing a physically active operating culture in schools. Using the survey, schools get information about adolescents’ physical activity (PA) during the school day as well as adolescents’ ideas and wishes concerning how to increase PA in the school environment.

Methods

The online survey available on the FSM programme’s website has six statements related to adolescents’ participation in PA during the school day: break-time activities in the schoolyard and inside the school, break-time activities directed by other students or to other students, active commuting, and exercise breaks in lessons. The survey also contains 14 statements related to students’ opinions and experiences on operations increasing PA during the school day. In addition, the survey includes two open-ended questions through which students can describe what would motivate them to participate in PA and how they would increase their PA in school. The survey is available to all lower secondary schools and the schools receive a summary of students’ responses.

Results

By the end of February 2023, the data consist of 2,506 self-evaluations from 11 schools. The results varied between schools and reflected the practices of the school’s operating culture. On the other hand, certain topics were repeated in the responses of all students, for example, related to factors that motivate them to engage in PA in school: peer support, better opportunities for PA around the schoolyard, rewards for PA, exercise breaks during lessons, interesting sport equipment, and access to the gym during break-times.

Conclusions

To increase PA especially in lower secondary schools, students could be given more opportunities to take part in planning and implementing different kinds of activities. The self-evaluation survey for students is one way to gather students’ opinions and strengthen their participation in the development of actions increasing PA during the school day.

Support/Funding Source

The Ministry of Education and Culture of Finland.
O.6.1-8 Exploration of health outcomes among adolescent peer leaders of a school based physical activity intervention: baseline data
Authors: McNally Kathleen , Murtagh Elaine , Ng Kwok , Woods Catherine
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Low physical activity (PA) levels among adolescents emphasises the need for PA interventions. School-based interventions that involve peer leaders (PL) such as the second-level Active School Flag (SLASF) program may be a useful way to encourage PA among adolescents. However, it is unclear what effect being a peer leader of a PA intervention has on PL physical, social and mental health outcomes. This study aims to explore PL health outcomes at the initial stages of peer leading a PA intervention.

Methods

Quasi-experimental research design was used to test if being PL provides physical, social and mental health benefits in comparison to non-PL (control). In Autumn 2022, senior students in Irish second level schools in the second year of the SLASF program were recruited. Students completed a self-report questionnaire, consisting of moderate-vigorous PA (MVPA) levels (PACE+), wellbeing (WHO5) and social connectedness. Social connectedness was assessed using three items and grouped into good social connectedness (yes to all three) or poor social connectedness.

Data was analysed using IBM SPSS statistics. To compare PL of the SLASF program and non-PL students, a Chi-Square test of Association was used to explore social connectedness. Wellbeing and average number of days per week of MVPA was not normally distributed (p < 0.05), therefore a Mann-Whitney U Test compared groups.

Results

Seven schools, 277 adolescents (63.5% male) aged 15-16 years completed the online questionnaire, 49% were in the PL group and 51% in non-PL group. At baseline, no differences existed in median wellbeing scores (Mdn=21.0) (U = 7750.500, Z= -0.953, p = 0.341) and days of MVPA per a week (Mdn=4.5) (U = 7320.500, Z= -0.105, p = 0.916) between the PL and non-PL group. Although more students in the PL group (68%) had good social connectedness compared to non-PL group (58%) the differences were not statistically significant (X2(1) > = 1.724, p = 0.189).

Conclusions

At the initial stages of peers leading a PA intervention, no statistically significant differences in social and mental health outcomes were observed. Future research could examine health outcomes of PL over the course of the peer led physical activity intervention.

Support/Funding Source

Mayo Educaton Centre.
O.6.1-9 Motor coordination as a strategy to increase school achievement in schoolchildren
Authors: Vieira Douglas , Thuany Mabliny , Gomes Thayse Natacha
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Our purpose was to identify the role of demographic, attention level, motor coordination, and physical activity to predict school achievement in Brazilian schoolchildren.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study, composed of 106 Brazilian schoolchildren of both sexes (56 boys), aged between 7-12 years. Sociodemographic characteristics (age, sex, socioeconomic status - SES), motor coordination (KTK test), physical activity (WEB CAAF questionnaire), attention level, and school performance (measured by school performance test and categorized based on the median in “insufficient” or “good”) were obtained. A hierarchical logistic regression analysis was estimated to verify factors associated with academic achievement (“insufficient achievement” and “good achievement”), through three models increased in complexity (model 1: age, sex, SES; Model 2: Model 1 + attention variables; Model 3: Model 2 + motor coordination and physical activity). Effect size estimates were computed using R2. The SPSS software was used, with a confidence interval fixed at 95%. The research was approved by the research ethics committee of the Federal University of Sergipe – Brazil (n° 5.155.350).

Results

About 51% of the children presented insufficient school achievement. Based on the three logistic regression models, the variables associated with school achievement included age (OR = 2.32; 95%IC = 1.23 – 4.37), and attention level (OR = 1.07; 95%IC = 1.01 – 1.14). Results from the logistic regression showed that the model which better explained school achievement variance was the model 3, where all the variables were included (R2=66%). Higher motor coordination increased the odds to present good school achievement (OR = 10.42, 95%IC = 1.04 – 104.46), but no significant association was shown for physical activity.

Conclusions

Interventions to improve school achievement among Brazilian schoolchildren should consider the use of motor coordination, including activities that require focus, especially in young children.
O.6.2-1 Contextual influences on sport promotion policy in The Netherlands: why and how the COVID-19 pandemic led to changes in local sport promotion policies
Authors: Ooms Linda , Hoekman Remco
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The Dutch government implemented various public health mandates to reduce the spread of the Covid-19 virus, such as self-quarantining, social distancing, closure of schools and sport facilities. This also impacted the sport sector and local sport promotion policies. The aim of the research was to get insight into why and how the Covid-19 pandemic and related restrictions influenced local sport promotion policy.

Methods

At the end of the Covid-19 pandemic, online questionnaires were sent to local sport managers (LSMs, n = 352, response 26%). These persons are responsible for the development of sport promotion policy within a municipality. In addition, online group interviews (n = 11) were conducted with LSMs and neighborhood sport coaches (NSCs). The latter are important implementers of sport promotion policy activities. A socio-ecological model of local sport promotion in the Netherlands was used as a theoretical framework.

Results

LSMs and NSCs reported that the Covid-19 pandemic and restrictions led to (some) changes in local sport promotion policy related to the facilities and public space (hardware), activity providers (orgware) and organized activities (software). In most cases, this did not lead to totally new policy, but there was a shift in focus related to the importance or urgency. For example, the growing importance of facilitating sport in public space and using sport as a means to promote health. Moreover, the Covid-19 pandemic and additional financial resources (Covid-19 recovery funds) from the national government enhanced the implementation of sport promotion activities, especially for children, adolescents and older adults.

Conclusions

The Covid-19 pandemic and restrictions influenced sport promotion policy (activities) in a positive way at the national level, the local level and within the municipal office. The general awareness of the importance of sport for health helped in legitimizing sport promotion policy and activities at all levels. However, it is questionable whether these changes are structural, especially when additional funding options cease. Considering the increased inequalities in sport and physical activity participation, it is important there remains attention for sport promotion of specific inactive target groups.

Funding source

This study was funded by ZonMw, The Netherlands, grant number [10430032010016].
O.6.2-8 Enforcing physical education in the official examinations in Anglophone Cameroon
Authors: Mbuih Kemshi Suleman , Thomas Yembe , Claudius Sama Fred , Rodrique Ngondiep Tamba , Clotilda Akfua , Forsuh Wallen , Mana Mbuih Larissa , Neng Ngwa Maria Goretti
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Cameroon has two main educational systems: English and French, which have a colonial heritage. The controversy is that each educational sub-system has its own curriculum. In the French-speaking part of the country, sports and physical education are mandatory for obtaining the CEPE, Baccalaureate, and any other public examination. In the English-speaking part, sports and physical education are yet to be included in the curriculum. The goal of this policy paper is to change the narrative of the curriculum of public examinations in Cameroon's anglophone educational sub-system by following the example of the country's French part. This policy paper targets curriculum developers, the General Certificate of Education Board, and the Ministries of Education. What will be innovative is that students from English-speaking Cameroon will also be included in sports activities at an early age.

Project or policy description

Development: We used the Health-Enhancing Physical Activity Policy Audit Tool (HEPA PAT) to collect data at the ministries of education, the Ministry of Sports and Physical Education, 197 public schools, and 204 health care facilities. Content analysis, ethnographic studies, and Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis are used to assess why average French-speaking Cameroonians have a longer life span, are physically active, and participate in more high-level sports than their English-speaking counterparts.

The Cameroon Government Certificate (GCE) of Education Board is in charge of putting this project into action. Sports and physical education should be required courses for both the ordinary and advanced levels of the GCE.

We will implement the process and conduct an impact assessment. With the process evaluation, we will monitor if the program is meeting the intended goals. The impact evaluation will give a broader view of the outcome of the program.

Conclusions

When this policy is put into place, the English-speaking part of Cameroon will have HEPA and be pushed to be as healthy and fit as the French-speaking part.
O.6.2-9 Beyond human and public health: a comprehensive analysis of different health concepts in physical activity promotion
Authors: Galindo Roberto , Ammermann Jantje , García Fabio El Kaddouri , Gelius Peter , Abu-Omar Karim
Published: September 2023

Background

There is a growing focus on health topics that go beyond individual and public health and attempt to grasp the relationship between the environment, animal and human health.

Currently little is known about how these holistic perspectives are being integrated in the field of Physical activity (PA) and PA promotion. The aim of our systematic review[AJ1] is to present the current state of research regarding PA and the holistic perspectives, including their evolution throughout time, their frequency of appearance in the literature and how they are being utilized in PA related research.

Methods

We conducted a comprehensive search using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science searching for PA, its synonyms and permutations in combination with six previously identified holistic health concepts:

(1) Planetary Health, (2) environmental health, (3) One Health, (4) Eco Health, (5) Geo Health, and (6) Gaia. The search resulted in a total of 924 articles after duplicates were removed. Three independent researchers screened title/abstract and resulting full-texts using Covidence. Results were analysed regarding the frequency of each concept and evaluating the extend of how the health concepts are utilized and implemented in PA promotion.

Results

The screening process resulted in 52 articles that met the inclusion criteria and focused on PA and its promotion in combination with one of the six health concepts. Preliminary results show an increased number of publications regarding holistic health concepts that go beyond human health in the field of PA promotion and its research in recent years.

Results indicate that only few studies implement these health concepts but rather only integrate the terms without its application. Further, the statistical evaluation shows that the concept of environmental health is the most frequently adopted health perspective followed by planetary health.

Conclusion

The identified articles show that the holistic health perspectives gain more relevance in the field of PA promotion. However, there are still only a few studies that apply these health concepts in the field of PA promotion. Further research needs to be conducted on the integration of different health concepts that go beyond human health in the field of PA promotion.
O.6.2-10 Community-based physical activity promotion programs in Porto metropolitan area: characterization and good-practices evaluation
Authors: França Beatriz , Machado Carolina Martins , Franco Sofia , Valente Carlos Pratas , Mendes Romeu
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Physical activity (PA) is an important health determinant with recognised benefits. Community-based physical activity programs (CBPAP) are cost-effective in promoting PA. However, the number, type, and quality of these programs in Porto Metropolitan Area (PMA) are unknown. Therefore, the objective of this study was to identify, characterize and evaluate CBPAP in this geographic area.

Methods

A systematic way to identify the ongoing CBPAP through the municipalities in PMA was defined. The interventions found were initially characterized through an online form. Then, the interventions that were CBPAP, according to this study criteria, were evaluated on a scale from 0-100% using a good practice characteristics appraisal tool developed by the Portuguese National Physical Activity Promotion Program. An estimated coverage of the programs, was calculated and the scores obtained in the evaluation tool were analysed.

Results

Most municipalities acceded our request to participate (76,5%, n = 13), and 33 ongoing CBPAP were identified. Most of the programs do not restrict participants age (51,5%) and have no costs (75,8%). There were 14 modalities of activity being promoted, where multimodal training was the most common (45,5%). The utilization ratio of CBPAP in PMA was 640/100.000 inhabitants. The good practices evaluation revealed a mean score of 70,3% ± 12,6%. The questions about monitoring and evaluation scored lower (p < 0,001) and the questions about the program detailed characteristics scored higher (p < 0,001).

Conclusions

The variety of exercise modalities and the large proportion of cost-free CBPAP are positive findings. Nonetheless, the low utilization ratio of these programs indicates they may not be a relevant PA promotion strategy in PMA. Clarification for which PA promotion strategies are implemented in this area may be needed, as well as determining if increasing the number of existing CBPAP, or to spread the existing ones, especially in the high population municipalities, are viable strategies. A failure in the evaluation processes of the existing programs was identified in this geographical area. Thus, and responding to national and international recommendations, in order to guarantee the effectiveness of the existing CBPAP, better monitoring and evaluation processes of programs should be implemented.
O.6.3-3 Gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status: intersectoral factors influencing adolescent girls’ participation in sport
Authors: Ljungmann Cecilie , Christensen Julie Hellesøe , Johnsen Helene Rald , Klinker Charlotte Demant , Pawlowski Charlotte
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Adolescent girls’ sports participation are low, particularly among females living in low socioeconomic status (SES) neighbourhoods. Inequalities accumulate at the intersection of gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. Understanding this inequity is essential to support better female opportunities in sports participation to reduce inequalities in health. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to investigate how gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status influence girls’ participation in sport.

Methods

Eleven focus groups were conducted from July-October 2021 with in total 44 adolescent girls living in low SES neighbourhoods. Ten had Danish ethnic origin and 34 had other ethnic minority background of whom 18 were born in Denmark with parents born in non-western countries. 21 of the girls were wearing veil as a symbol of their religious background. The inclusion criteria were non-participation in organised sport in their leisure time. The girls were recruited through purposive sampling via schools placed in five different low SES neighbourhoods. Drawing on an intersectoral framework as a tool to understand the complex interaction between gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status, a deductive thematic analysis was conducted from verbatim transcripts using NVivo.

Results

Capturing the girls’ own voices, the analyses identified three overarching themes; 1) The little voice inside, 2) Sports are not for girls, 3) Can you do sport with veil? Findings revealed that the barriers for this group of girls had more complex intertwined layers, where gender, ethnicity and socioeconomic status were accumulated. The analyse indicates that gendered societal expectations and stereotypes about femininity, along with cultural and religious norms and socioeconomic factors, act as a barrier for girls to participate in sport.

Conclusions

The results provide insight into intersectional factors that influence sports participation among adolescent girls living in low SES neighbourhoods. The findings among this underrepresented group indicate that gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status should be considered to ensure equal opportunities to sports participation. The findings will be useful to shed light on how interventions should be designed to promote sports participation among adolescent girls in low SES neighbourhoods and thus help promote equity.
O.6.3-4 Children’s Sport Participation and Physical Activity in the Island of Ireland: a cross-sectional study comparing differences in participation between 2018 and 2022
Authors: McClelland Julia , Ng Kwok , Britton Una , Philpott Conor , O'Keeffe Brendan , Sheikhi Ali , Behan Stephen , Lester Diarmuid , Adamakis Manolis , Costa Joao , Coppinger Tara , Connolly Sinead , Goss Hannah , O'Brien Wesley , McFlynn Paul , Murphy Marie , Belton SarahJane , Woods Catherine
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Given the many policies and interventions aimed at increasing physical activity (PA), it is important to understand how levels of PA, sport participation and active travel change over time. The purpose of this study is to assess the participation levels of children and adolescents in sport, PA and active travel in Northern Ireland (NI) and the Republic of Ireland (RoI) and compare differences in participation between 2018 and 2022.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was completed by a sample of schoolchildren in 2018 and in 2022 through the Children’s Sport Participation and Physical Activity (CSPPA) study. A representative sample of primary (n = 1549 in 2018, n = 1758 in 2022) and post-primary (n = 5102 in 2018, n = 7123 in 2022) pupils were surveyed in school using standardised self-report PA and sport participation measures. Descriptive statistics, chi-square analyses, linear regression and logistic regression were run for outcome variables.

Results

Reported participation in daily PA increased at both school levels in NI and RoI between 2018 and 2022 with an increased proportion of pupils meeting the recommended levels of PA (NI: 13% in 2018 and 17% in 2022, RoI: 13% in 2018 and 15% in 2022). The proportion of children taking part in sport at least once a week increased over the last four years at both school levels in NI and RoI. Active travel to or from primary school increased from 36% in 2018 to 40% in 2022 in NI and from 42% in 2018 to 43% in 2022 in RoI. There was no change in the level of self-reported active travel for post-primary pupils in NI. However, reported engagement in active travel decreased from 40% to 35% in RoI.

Conclusions

The findings from this study suggest small increases in participation in self-reported daily PA, school sport, and community sport between 2018 and 2022. Despite this, participation rates and engagement with active travel remain low. These findings are important for policymakers seeking to address inactivity in children and adolescents in Ireland.

Support/Funding Source

This study is funded by Sport Ireland, Healthy Ireland and Sport NI, with support from the Departments of Health and Education in ROI.
O.6.3-7 Participatory video as an evaluation method: lessons learned from a community-based participatory research project with women in difficult life situations
Authors: Sommer Raluca , Sauter Alexandra , Linder Stephanie , Ziemainz Heiko , Abu-Omar Karim
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Visual research receives less attention compared to text-based research, especially in evaluating projects for physical activity (PA). This is surprising, since empowering individuals and communities to engage in the assessment tasks, and take decisions about the evaluation process has shown to have a positive impact on outcomes (Fetterman et al., 2018).

NU-BIG[1] set out to involve women in difficult life situations[2] (n = 6) in creating a video to reflect upon the long-term effects of a PA program. It implies “a collaborative approach in which people create a video about themselves to open spaces for learning, enable change and transformation” (Milne et al., 2012, pp.36).

Methods

We conducted a qualitative study using a semi-standardized monitoring protocol, semi-structured interviews (n = 12), field notes (n = 4), and a reflexive focus group interview (n = 1) to investigate the process of making the video.

Results

The video-making process lasted from November 2021 to July 2023. Along the way, researchers and the women involved faced numerous challenges.

For the women, deciding on doing a video resulted in insecurities and often seemed to rather inhibit their active participation. They needed sustained support and guidance from scientists (i.e., organizing meetings, providing content), as well as the help of a media professional to handle practical aspects. However, in later stages of the process, they also experienced dynamic learning, which improved their general media literacy, self-confidence and critical awareness.The women clearly voiced that the video was to be done on their terms. This put the involved researchers in a challenging situation. Researchers were forced to continuously reflect on their own role and identity in the process, and had to relinquish control. This required them to be flexible in e.g. the facilitation of meetings and a permanent ability to adapt to spontaneous situations and demands.

Conclusions

The video enabled women to share how PA had influenced their lives, allowing them to reclaim their voices and combat feelings of marginalization. As an evaluation method, it can enable relevant stakeholders to gain valuable data, which can contribute to social change. Visual research methods should be given more importance, particularly in community-based projects with vulnerable population groups.
O.6.3-8 The challenge of participatory projects for physical activity promotion: what to scale and how to scale?
Authors: Sommer Raluca , Till Maike , Sauter Alexandra , Abu-Omar Karim , Gelius Peter
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Effective pilot interventions for physical activity (PA) promotion should be scaled up, i.e. transferred to broader contexts while permanently integrating them into policies or systems (WHO, 2010). This study explores the scale-up strategies of four German projects that developed actions for PA promotion based on a participatory approach (Gelius et al., 2021), highlighting the challenges encountered while transferring the participatory approach to other contexts and reaching other population groups.

Methods

We conducted a qualitative study based on document analysis and 15 semi-structured focus group interviews with each of the projects’ research teams. The ExpandNet framework (WHO, 2010) was used to retrospectively analyze the scale-up strategies as well as key elements (i.e., innovation, user organization, environment) utilized in the projects.

Results

The projects succeeded in transferring effective pilot interventions to a total of 16 new sites (“horizontal” scale-up). At some sites, the process ran smoothly, while at others, the employed scale-up strategies differed from the initial plan. As a result, some projects scaled the participatory component, while others the specific actions previously developed in the pilot project. Also, in some projects, political support and other favorable circumstances allowed for institutionalizing PA promotion actions on a higher organizational level (“vertical” scale-up).

Conclusions

When participatory approaches are used as mechanisms to co-create an agenda for PA promotion jointly with researchers, population groups, and relevant stakeholders, it seems that multiple strategies may be employed for scale-up. Participatory projects can be scaled-up horizontally or vertically, i.e. by focusing either on the participatory approach as a whole or on specific actions developed using the participatory approach in a previous pilot project. There is a need to develop novel theoretical concepts of scalability that capture the diversity of approaches observed in our study.

Note

This study was conducted within the Capital4Health, a consortium funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research [01EL1821A-F].
O.6.3-10 Investigating the impact of a school garden intervention on children’s school motivation, climate literacy, food literacy and physical activity: the FoodACT protocol
Authors: Stage Anna , Bølling Mads , Nielsen Glen , Bentsen Peter , Aadahl Mette , Otte Camilla Roed , Elsborg Peter
Published: September 2023

Background

Globally, too many children are not sufficient physically active and have unhealthy food habits with the highest prevalence seen in families with low socio-economic-status (SES). Previous research has stated that schools are considered a key setting for promoting children physical activity (PA), food literacy (FL) and to improve their social health. School gardens is exactly such an intervention where teaching is relocated to an outdoor setting. Relocation of teaching, which is a central ingredient of school gardens, has shown to be positively related to increased PA in both boys and girls during the school day. School gardens aim towards practical experience and education in food and climate. PA is not I focus, but the school garden learning environment provides pupils opportunities to be active. Therefore, the FoodACT study aims to investigate how a school gardening intervention impact pupils school motivation, CL, FL and PA with a special attention on children with low SES.

Methods

The FoodACT study is designed in three sub-studies. An efficacy study, quantifying the effects of school gardens using a pre-post quasi-experimental design measuring the pupils’ FL, CL and SM. A within-subject-design association study, quantifying the influence of the school garden activities on pupils PA at two sessional periods during the intervention. An association study, investigating the contextual characteristics of the school garden activities using the systematic observations instrument, The Physical Activity Research and Assessment tool for Garden Observation (PARAGON), which can capture pupils’ movements and motions categorised in ‘overall PA-level’, ‘garden-related tasks’, ‘garden related motions’, ‘social associations’, and ‘interaction’. The observations is supplemented by pupil focus-group interviews about their experience of the school garden intervention.

Results

Study design, recruitment experience and pilot-study data on PA and garden activity observations will be presented.

Funding

The FoodACT study is funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation (Grant no: 077522).
Understanding the Stress Testing Characteristics of Apixaban, Structural Elucidation of a Novel Degradation Impurity, and Stability-Indicating Method Development for Quantification of Related Substances
Authors: Surukonti Srikanth Reddy , Surendrababu M S
Published: September 2023

Background

People who have non-valvular atrial fibrillation may benefit from taking a new oral anticoagulant called apixaban, which has recently been given the green light by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. During stress testing, apixaban was found to have a high degree of degradability when subjected to both acidic and basic conditions, and one significant unknown impurity was observed in addition to the major known impurities.

Objective

Our aim is the isolation and characterization of degradation product observed in stress/forced degradation studies, and also the development of a single HPLC method that is both reliable and accurate for quantifying all 10 related impurities of apixaban.

Methods

Preparative HPLC was used to isolate the degradation product, and 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and MS were used to elucidate the structure of the product. Additionally, a single reverse-phase (RP) HPLC method was developed for quantification of all related impurities of apixaban.

Results

Based on the spectral characterization data, the identified unknown degradation impurity was found to be a pH-independent hydrolysis degradation impurity of apixaban. The developed method is specific, linear, accurate, robust, and rugged.

Conclusion

The isolated and characterized impurities were the same as those found during stress testing. The developed method has been validated for its intended purpose in accordance with the regulatory requirements that were outlined.

Highlights

The unknown impurity is a new apixaban degradation impurity that helps us understand its toxicity. The scientific community will benefit from the developed analytical method information as it relates to understanding drug product impurity profiling.
Effects of exogenous spermidine on autophagy and antioxidant capacity in ovaries and granulosa cells of Sichuan white geese
Authors: Jiang Dongmei , Sun Qian , Jiang Yilong , Zhou Xuemin , Kang Lijuan , Wang Zelong , Wang Xin , An Xiaoguang , Ji Chengweng , Ling Weikang , Wang Yinglian , Yang Yujie , Kang Bo
Published: September 2023

Autophagy can inhibit ovarian senescence induced by oxidative stress and regulate follicle development and atresia, but its mechanism is still unclear. Exogenous spermidine can induce autophagy and scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS). In this experiment, oxidative stress in Sichuan white geese ovaries and follicular granulosa cells (GCs) was caused by 3-nitropropionic acid (3-NPA) and spermidine was added to explore the effect of exogenous spermidine inducing autophagy and inhibiting oxidative stress in vivo and in vitro. Research results showed that putrescine, spermidine and spermine contents in goose ovaries in the group treated with spermidine combined with 3-NPA were 2.70, 1.94, and 1.70 times higher than those in the group treated with 3-NPA, respectively (P < 0.05). The contents of spermidine and spermine in GCs were 1.37 and 0.89 times higher in the spermidine in combination with the 3-NPA group than in the 3-NPA group, respectively (P < 0.05). LC3 and p62 were mainly expressed in the follicular granulosa layer. The LC3-II/I ratio and p62 level in GCs in the spermidine combined with 3-NPA treatment group were 1.37 and 0.77 times higher than that of the 3-NPA treatment group, respectively (P < 0.05). 3-NPA treatment significantly increased ROS level and the apoptosis rate in GCs, while the combined treatment of spermidine and 3-NPA reversed this change (P < 0.05).

In conclusion, spermidine alleviated the oxidative damage induced by 3-NPA by improving the antioxidant capacity of ovaries and follicular GCs of Sichuan white geese and may be alleviated by inducing autophagy in GCs.
Reducing Ophthalmic Antibiotic Use for Non-severe Conjunctivitis in Children
Authors: Sebastian Thresia , Durfee Josh , Wittmer Nancy , Jack Jessica , Keith Amy , Jenkins Timothy C , Frost Holly M
Published: September 2023

Background

Antibiotics are often overprescribed for pediatric conjunctivitis. We implemented a system-level quality improvement (QI) intervention to reduce unnecessary ophthalmic antibiotic use.

Methods

The multi-faceted intervention in Denver, CO comprised a clinical care pathway, nurse protocol modifications, electronic health record (EHR) changes, parent education materials, and clinician education. We evaluated children aged 6 months–17 years with conjunctivitis seen between November 2018 and December 2022. A multi-interrupted time series model evaluated the effectiveness of the intervention over three time periods: Pre-COVID, Pre-Intervention (November 2018–February 2020), COVID, Pre-Intervention (March 2020–March 2021), and Post-Intervention (April 2021–December 2022). Fisher’s exact tests compared treatment failure and healthcare utilization rates between time periods and among children receiving or not receiving ophthalmic antibiotics.

Results

Among 6960 eligible encounters, ophthalmic antibiotic use was reduced by 18.8% (95% CI: 16.3, 21.3) from Pre-COVID, Pre-Intervention to Post-Intervention. During the Pre-Intervention period following the onset of COVID, a reduction of 16.1% (95% CI: 12.9, 19.3) was observed. Implementation of the intervention resulted in an additional 2.7% (95% CI: −0.4, 5.7) reduction in antibiotic prescribing, primarily in younger children (ages 6 months–5 years). The greatest reduction in prescribing occurred for nurse triage encounters with an 82.1% (95% CI: 76.8, 87.5) reduction in prescribing rates (92.6%–10.5%). Treatment failure occurred in 1301 (18.7%) children and was more common among children that received an ophthalmic antibiotic than those that did not (20.0 vs 17.9%; P = .03).

Conclusion

The QI intervention significantly reduced ophthalmic antibiotic prescribing for pediatric conjunctivitis without increasing treatment failure rates or health care utilization.
Laboratory Testing Strategies, Detection, and Diagnosis
Authors: Yagnik Kruti J. , Meisner Jessica A.
Published: September 2023

The history of testing, as well as the immunology behind testing, is detailed in this chapter. The various laboratory and home testing methods used for screening and diagnosis of HIV infections are discussed. A comprehensive overview of virologic immunoassays is provided to the reader to explain how available immunoassays can be used for screening and diagnosing most early and primary HIV infections and when virologic assays should be considered as complementary diagnostics to immunoassays for screening and confirmation of HIV-1 and HIV-2 infections. Algorithms for screening and diagnosing HIV infections are discussed, and special attention is given to screening and detecting HIV in newborns and children.
The HIV Reservoir and Cure and Remission Strategies
Authors: Juelg Boris , Gandhi Rajesh T. , Jilg Nikolaus
Published: September 2023

HIV-1 persists quiescently in cellular reservoirs not detected by the immune system because of the lack of active viral replication; these reservoirs represent the biggest obstacle to cure approaches. Reversal of HIV-1 latency and induction of virus expression by a variety of interventions may render infected cells susceptible to immune recognition and active clearance. Strategies to boost immune responses via active or passive immunization, immunomodulation, or gene therapy are being evaluated with the aim of achieving HIV-1 control or remission without antiretroviral therapy (ART), if not viral eradication. This chapter covers HIV reservoir and cure and remission strategies. It details the importance of why we should try to cure HIV and includes clinical observations where the concept of a “functional cure” has been introduced. Early establishment and persistence of the latent HIV-1 reservoir is discussed as well as latency reversal approaches and latency silencing. A variety of immune enhancing and/or modulating strategies and immunomodulatory treatments are reviewed. Special attention is paid to therapeutic and preventive vaccines.
Antiretroviral Therapy for Children and Newborns
Authors: Nielsen-Saines Karin
Published: September 2023

HIV-infected infants and children have a different, more progressive disease course as compared to adults given that early infection leads to sustained, high-magnitude viremia with significant seeding of reservoirs in the first months of life, prior to full maturation of the immune system. Early diagnosis of HIV infection is pivotal in the management of infants and in the prevention of HIV-associated morbidity and mortality. This chapter discusses advances in antiretroviral therapy for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV. Pediatric-specific issues of early HIV diagnosis, timing, and pathogenesis of HIV disease, and use of surrogate markers of HIV infection in this population are reviewed in the text. The difference between the concepts of HIV exposure and HIV infection is highlighted. The chapter concludes with a brief discussion citing the benefits of antiretroviral therapy in children.