Care to move! A mixed-methods evaluation of care–physical activity initiatives for citizens with a low socioeconomic status

Summary

Overweight and obesity rates are increasing worldwide, particularly among people with a low socioeconomic status. Lifestyle interventions that include physical activity may lower overweight and obesity rates. The aim of this thesis is to contribute knowledge and insights about lifestyle interventions for citizens with a low socioeconomic status. The findings of this thesis have resulted in three important insights. First, support and guidance play an important role in learning and maintaining new health behaviours. Second, lifestyle interventions are often inaccessible to people with a low socioeconomic status and highly accessible initiatives, such as initiatives offered at low cost and close to participants’ homes, are needed. Third, offering group-based initiatives seems valuable for motivation and support and for sharing knowledge and experiences. These insights led to implications for policy, practice and research that can be used so that existing and future initiatives can better suit citizens with a low socioeconomic status.