title: Feasibility of multi-sector policy measures that create activity-friendly environments for children: results of a Delphi study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Although multi-sector policy is a promising strategy to create environments that stimulate physical activity among children, little is known about the feasibility of such a multi-sector policy approach. The aims of this study were: to identify a set of tangible (multi-sector) policy measures at the local level that address environmental characteristics related to physical activity among children; and to assess the feasibility of these measures, as perceived by local policy makers.
  
  
  METHODS
  In four Dutch municipalities, a Delphi study was conducted among local policy makers of different policy sectors (public health, sports, youth and education, spatial planning/public space, traffic and transportation, and safety). In the first Delphi round, respondents generated a list of possible policy measures addressing three environmental correlates of physical activity among children (social cohesion, accessibility of facilities, and traffic safety). In the second Delphi round, policy makers weighted different feasibility aspects (political feasibility, cultural/community acceptability, technical feasibility, cost feasibility, and legal feasibility) and assessed the feasibility of the policy measures derived from the first round. The third Delphi round was aimed at reaching consensus by feedback of group results. Finally, one overall feasibility score was calculated for each policy measure.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Cultural/community acceptability, political feasibility, and cost feasibility were considered most important feasibility aspects. The Delphi studies yielded 16 feasible policy measures aimed at physical and social environmental correlates of physical activity among children. Less drastic policy measures were considered more feasible, whereas environmental policy measures were considered less feasible.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study showed that the Delphi technique can be a useful tool in reaching consensus about feasible multi-sector policy measures. The study yielded several feasible policy measures aimed at physical and social environmental correlates of physical activity among children and can assist local policy makers in designing multi-sector policies aimed at an activity-friendly environment for children.
authors.affiliation: Tilburg University, Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Department Tranzo, Scientific Center for Care and Welfare, PO Box 90153, 5000 LE Tilburg, The Netherlands. m.j.aarts@uvt.nl
authors.forename: Marie-Jeanne
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Aarts
authors.forename: Albertine J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Schuit
authors.forename: Ien Am
authors.initials: IA
authors.lastname: van de Goor
authors.forename: Hans Am
authors.initials: HA
authors.lastname: van Oers
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D002669:Child Welfare; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003697:Delphi Technique; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D006126:Group Processes; D017048:Health Care Costs; D006291:Health Policy; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000502:physiology*; D009426:Netherlands; D011057:Politics; D012931:Social Environment; D040241:Social Marketing; D014505:Urban Population