First Things First: Assessing Needs, Comfort, and Role Clarity for Physical Activity Promotion

Extension has recently begun delivering physical activity programs, but delivering evidence-based interventions is a challenge. To increase adoption of evidence-based interventions, a better understanding of agents’ perceptions and needs is necessary. The purpose of this research was to conduct a readiness assessment to identify organizational factors and agent perceptions that speed or impede uptake of evidence-based physical activity programs. Data were gathered from agents through a sequential mixed-methods design informed by the RE-AIM (reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, maintenance) framework. A survey assessed current work status, demographic variables, physical activity levels, and time spent on programming tasks. Semi-structured focus group questions included current physical activity programs, integration of physical activity into current programs, and barriers and facilitators of physical activity programming. Agents were willing to adopt physical activity programs into their schedule but experienced barriers. Notably, agents perceived a lack of training and evaluation tools for measuring impact. As for organizational factors, “physical activity” was not in their job descriptions, and integrating physical activity with nutrition programs was perceived as a better fit within the USDA-funded system. Understanding the factors that impede adoption is critical for ensuring physical activity program uptake to influence public health behaviors