Evaluation of a program targeting sports coaches as deliverers of health-promoting messages to at-risk youth: Assessing feasibility using a realist-informed approach

Abstract

Unequal access to health promotion resources and early prevention services is a major determinant of health inequity among youth. Initiatives that improve the access to and adoption of health promotion messages are important undertakings, e.g., sport. Sport-for-development (SFD) programs are seen as valuable delivery tools, in which coaches are used as change agents to increase health awareness and behavior among at-risk youth. The delivery of such messages requires specific knowledge and skills that can be attained through training; however, the effectiveness of such training requires assessment. In this study, we evaluated the feasibility of such a training program for SFD coaches using process evaluation from a realist perspective, and views from multiple stakeholders, among other sources. We also clarified the inner workings of the training and investigated how context shaped the training outcomes. Increased health awareness and a sense of responsibility from acting as a role model for at-risk youth were among the perceived training outcomes. Building a safe environment for learning, engagement, and bonds of trust increased the confidence to learn, and resulted in a sense of critical self-reflection and self-development of SFD coaches towards health and prevention messages. Importantly, the unique situations (or context) of SFD coaches and SFD in general presented challenging variables, e.g., a precarious life history or living conditions, mental health issues, or low educational skills, that hampered the impact of the mechanisms put in place by the training. Here, we present a process in which the development of the 'right mind-set,' engagement and bonds of trust, in combination with the right settings are key elements for SFD coaches to learn how to convey healthpromoting messages and take responsibility as role models for at-risk youth.

Understanding the Characteristics of Community Youth Sports Programs Interventions: A Systematic Review and Recommendations

“…Community sports has been used as a tool for vulnerable youth and coaches to promote changes in health behavior (Richards et al, 2014; Van der Veken et al, 2021). The coaches that participate in workshops become more aware of health and their responsibility as a role model for the participants in the intervention (Lauwerier et al, 2020). This shows that organized sports represent an opportunity to promote mental health and prevent mental health problems among male adolescents (Vella et al, 2018).…”

“…Casey et al, 2013; M. M. Casey et al, 2014; Philpott et al, 2021; four studies (6%) were projects for adults in association with a sport organization (Crisp, 2020a; Hurley et al, 2020; Lauwerier et al, 2020; Van der Veken et al, 2020; three studies (4%) were projects for young people in association with a sports organizations (Beaman et al, 2021; Milner et al, 2018; two studies (3%) were projects for children in association with a community organization (Farmer et al, 2020; Warner et al, 2021); and one study was a project that combined children and youth in association with a community organization (Hoekman et al, 2019).…”

“…Limited psychosocial results were reported (Beaman et al, 2021), the participation of vulnerable youth of a single ethnicity was recorded, which does not allow the results to be generalized (Newman & Anderson-Butcher, 2021) since small scopes do not reflect the points of view and memories of the participants (Crisp, 2020b). The impact levels of health literacy decreased when the characteristics of the context were not considered (Lauwerier et al, 2020) since the implementation of the program in different communities may be different and depend on the characteristics of the participants (Constandt et al, 2020). Health promotion and prevention is a complex process at the community level, its success depends on the will of the stakeholders together with the interest of the leaders and community appropriation of the program (Vella et al, 2018).…”

Physical Activity Levels in Alaska Native Children Participating in the SkiKu/AK Nordic Program

“…The total amount of physical activity exceeded recommendations by over 5 hours/day but did not include any vigorous physical activity. During the instructional period while the coaches were physically present in Kaktovik, AK, students were exceptionally focused on the delivery of the program; learning the skills, and building engagement with and trust among others [15]. The encouraging structure of the ski program, easy access to equipment, social and community expectations for participation, and curiosity among the children were likely key factors in boosting these children's physical activity during this…”

Aplikasi Sport Human Connection (SHC) sebagai Marketplace untuk Publikasi dan Pemasaran Layanan Pelatih Olahraga

“…Karena tidak hanya masyarakat saja yang membutuhkan layanan jasa dari pelatih olahraga. Pelatih olahraga juga sering memberikan layanan kepada atlet, klub olahraga dan lembaga olahraga milik pemerintah (Lauwerier, van Poel, van der Veken, van Roy, & Willems, 2020;Raw, Allen-Craig, & Smith, 2015). Atlet memerlukan jasa pelatih olahraga dalam hal bimbingan latihan olahraga dan konsultasi terkait penguatan mental atlet (Cece, 2020).…”