title: Factors associated with physical activity referral uptake and participation.
abstract: The aim of this study was to examine participant and scheme characteristics in relation to access, uptake, and participation in a physical activity referral scheme (PARS) using a prospective population-based longitudinal design. Participants (n = 3762) were recruited over a 3-year period. Logistic regression analyses identified the factors associated with the outcomes of referral uptake, participation, and completion (> or = 80% attendance). Participant's age, sex, referral reason, referring health professional, and type of leisure provider were the independent variables. Based on binary logistic regression analysis (n = 2631), only primary referral reason was associated with the PARS coordinator making contact with the participants. In addition to the influence of referral reason, females were also more likely (odds ratio 1.250, 95% confidence interval 1.003-1.559, P = 0.047) to agree to be assigned to a leisure provider. Referral reason and referring health professional were associated with taking up a referral opportunity. Older participants (1.016, 1.010-1.023, P < 0.001) and males were more likely to complete the referral. In conclusion, the PARS format may be less appropriate for those more constrained by time (women, young adults) and those with certain referral reasons (overweight/obesity, mental health conditions). More appropriate targeting at the point of referral could improve participation rates by revealing or addressing barriers that might later result in dropout.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Sport, Health and Social Care, University of Gloucestershire, Oxstalls Campus, Oxstalls Lane, Gloucester GL2 9HW, UK. djames@glos.ac.uk
authors.forename: David V B
authors.initials: DV
authors.lastname: James
authors.forename: Lynne H
authors.initials: LH
authors.lastname: Johnston
authors.forename: Diane
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Crone
authors.forename: Adrienne H
authors.initials: AH
authors.lastname: Sidford
authors.forename: Chris
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Gidlow
authors.forename: Clare
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Morris
authors.forename: Charlie
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Foster
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010349:Patient Compliance; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D006113:United Kingdom