How to make physical activity promotion work in Thai schools: Perspectives of multiple stakeholders

Amornsriwatanakul, Areekul, Noosorn, Narongsak, Poonchob, Kittipong, Wongwat, Rung, Sornprasit, Somkiat, Markmee, Phataraphon, Rosenberg, Michael and Milton, Karen ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0506-2214 (2022) How to make physical activity promotion work in Thai schools: Perspectives of multiple stakeholders. Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 19 (1). 63–70. ISSN 1543-3080

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Abstract

Background: This study aimed to determine current practice in physical activity (PA) promotion in Thai schools, explore barriers and facilitators to PA promotion within the school setting, and identify strategies to support schools’ future practice. Methods: A qualitative study design was applied comprising document analysis, focus groups, in-depth interviews, and onsite observations. The focus groups and in-depth interviews were conducted with 144 informants, purposively recruited through 24 schools in 4 regions across Thailand. Inductive content analysis was used. Results: Most schools were promoting PA in the absence of written policies, and without an accurate understanding of PA. Nonalignment of school performance indicators and policies, concerns about children’s academic performance, and lack of budget were raised as barriers to PA promotion, whereas strong partnerships with multiple local stakeholders facilitated school-based PA promotion. Mandated government PA policies and more information support were suggested as strategies to enhance schools’ future practices. Conclusions: For PA promotion to be successful in the school setting, significant challenges will need to be addressed. Results from this study help the government and concerned stakeholders to better understand the situation at the school level, and further strive for achieving the target PA levels specified in the National PA Plan.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	thailand,adolescent,health promotion,implementation,policy,public health practice,youth,orthopedics and sports medicine ,/dk/atira/pure/subjectarea/asjc/2700/2732
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Norwich Medical School
UEA Research Groups:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Centres > Lifespan Health Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Centres > Population Health
Related URLs:	http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?...
Depositing User:	LivePure Connector
Date Deposited:	22 Oct 2021 01:45
Last Modified:	03 Jan 2024 02:51
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/81862
DOI:	10.1123/jpah.2021-0504

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