Using a participatory approach to the development of a school-based physical activity policy in an Indigenous community.
BACKGROUND
This study is part of a larger community-based participatory research (CBPR) project to develop, implement, and evaluate the physical activity component of a school-based wellness policy. The policy intervention is being carried out by community stakeholders and academic researchers within the Kahnawake Schools Diabetes Prevention Project, a well-established health promotion organization in the Indigenous community of Kahnawake, Quebec.


METHODS
We explored how a group of stakeholders develop a school physical activity policy in a participatory manner, and examined factors serving as facilitators and barriers to the development process. This case study was guided by an interpretive description approach and draws upon data from documentary analysis and participant observation.


RESULTS
A CBPR approach allowed academic researchers and community stakeholders to codevelop a physical activity policy that is both evidence-based and contextually appropriate. The development process was influenced by a variety of barriers and facilitators including working within existing structures, securing appropriate stakeholders, and school contextual factors.


CONCLUSIONS
This research offers a process framework that others developing school-based wellness policies may use with appropriate modifications based on local environments.
Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, McGill University Montréal, Quebec H2W 1S4, Canada. lindsay.hogan@mail.mcgill.ca.
Lindsay
L
Hogan
Enrique
E
García Bengoechea
Jon
J
Salsberg
Judi
J
Jacobs
Morrison
M
King
Ann C
AC
Macaulay
D055812:Community-Based Participatory Research / Q000379:methods / Q000458:organization & administration; D017144:Focus Groups; D006291:Health Policy; D006801:Humans; D007198:Indians, North American; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000502:physiology*; D019982:Organizational Case Studies; D010781:Photography; D011792:Quebec; D012572:School Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000592:standards
Indigenous health; community-based participatory research; physical activity; school wellness policy