Project
Care–Physical Activity initiatives in the neighbourhood (COMPLETED)
This research focuses on the evaluation of national health policy that aims to stimulate Health in all Policies (HiAP) at local level and integrated care–physical activity (PA) initiatives at neighbourhood level. The research will be conducted in two municipalities (Veenendaal and Arnhem), supporting five deprived neighbourhoods in implementing care–PA initiatives targeting socially vulnerable adults. Meetings with local stakeholders and citizens in Veenendaal and Arnhem revealed that, despite a strong motivation to make HiAP and care–PA initiatives work, several factors hinder participation in, and implementation of, HiAP and care–PA initiatives for socially vulnerable groups. These factors are supported by international literature, indicating the breadth of the problem. With this research, we aim to gain improved insight into how local care–PA initiatives and HiAP can be best implemented, facilitated and evaluated.
Key outputs of the research are:
• Insight into the benefits of participation in HiAP and care–PA initiatives
• Strengthened program set up for both Veenendaal and Arnhem in which research activities and capacities are integrated as part of activities
• (Improved) methods and tools to facilitate and evaluate HiAP and care–PA initiatives at local level
• Overview of action elements of HiAP and care–PA initiatives at local level
• Policy recommendations for adequate funding models stimulating intersectoral collaboration at local level
The research is innovative because it studies processes and outcomes at multiple levels (i.e. municipal, care–PA initiative and citizen level) not in isolation, but in connection with one another. Moreover, the research design builds on the existing local context; this generates not only insight into what is effective and why, but also actionable knowledge to improve policy and practice immediately.
This project is part of 'Wonen en leven in een gezonde wijk en omgeving' (Dwelling and living in a healthy neighborhood and area): a research and intervention programme that is part of a larger project that focuses on prevention.
Click here to read more about 'Wonen en leven in een gezonde wijk en omgeving' (Dutch only)
Symposium and PhD defence invitation
On 22 June 2022, PhD candidate Lisanne Mulderij will defend her thesis: Care to move! A mixed-methods evaluation of care-physical activity initiatives for citizens with a low socioeconomic status.
Prior to this defence a symposium will take place to which you are cordially invited. In this symposium we will discuss various topics related to the subject of Lisanne's thesis: initiatives that stimulate healthy behaviour among citizens with a low socioeconomic status. Besides a plenary session, workshops will be organised.
For more information and registration: click here!
