Evaluation Design for Community-Based Physical Activity Programs for Socially Disadvantaged Groups: Communities on the Move

• DOI: 10.2196/resprot.2327
• Publication Date: 2013-06-26T15:01:40Z
• Authors: Marion Herens; Annemarie Wagemakers; Lenneke Vaandrager; Johan Van Ophem; Maria Koelen
• Keywords: Disadvantaged; Internal validity; Identification

Background: As interventions are not yet successful in substantially improving physical activity levels of low socioeconomic status groups the Netherlands, it is a challenge to undertake more effective interventions. Participatory community-based such as Communities on Move (CoM) seem promising. Evaluating their effectiveness, however, calls for appropriate evaluation approaches. Objective: This paper provides conceptual model development context-sensitive monitoring and approach order (1) measure effectiveness cost-effectiveness CoM, (2) develop an design enabling identification underlying mechanisms which explain what works why programs. Methods: A cohort proposed, based multiple cases, measuring impact, processes, changes at each distinguished levels. The methods described this will evaluate both short- long-term effects, costs, benefits CoM. Results: Testing proposed began October 2012 on-going. Conclusions: offers valid research strategy evaluating Internal validity guaranteed by use several verification techniques triangulation. case studies program community enhance external validity.