Journal article
Exploring Healthcare Professionals’ Approaches to Promoting Physical Activity and Reducing Sedentary Behaviour in Clinical Paediatric Populations in South Wales
,
Kelly Mackintosh ,
Melitta McNarry ,
Rachel Knight ,
Sarah Denford
Healthcare, Volume: 14, Issue: 12, Start page: 1801
Swansea University Authors:
Joanne Hudson, Kelly Mackintosh , Melitta McNarry
Full text not available from this repository: check for access using links below.
DOI (Published version): https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14121801
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Physical inactivity is a significant public health challenge among children and young people (CYP), particularly within clinical populations. Whilst healthcare professionals (HCPs) are uniquely positioned to implement behaviour change strategies, there is little evidence of im...
| Published in: | Healthcare |
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| Published: |
Basel, Switzerland
MDPI
2026
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| Online Access: |
https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9032/14/12/1801 |
| URI: | https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa72151 |
| Abstract: |
Background/Objectives: Physical inactivity is a significant public health challenge among children and young people (CYP), particularly within clinical populations. Whilst healthcare professionals (HCPs) are uniquely positioned to implement behaviour change strategies, there is little evidence of implementation in practice. This study examined the practices of, as well as barriers and facilitators experienced by, HCPs in South Wales, United Kingdom (UK), when promoting physical activity (PA) and reducing sedentary behaviour (SED) in clinical paediatric populations, together with their perceptions and proficiencies in delivering this support. Methods: A 32-item questionnaire was completed by 41 HCPs, recruited through professional and clinical networks to generate an opportunistic sample from physiotherapists (n = 22), doctors (n = 7), occupational therapists (n = 4), therapy technical instructors (n = 2), and others (n = 1 each). Quantitative responses were analysed using descriptive statistics; free-text responses underwent qualitative content analysis. Results: The findings revealed that 95% of HCPs discussed PA at some or all appointments, with similar figures reported for SED (90%) and exercise (88%). However, only 63% of participants felt PA was adequately addressed within their services. Barriers included time constraints, resource limitations, and knowledge gaps. Key facilitators included training, toolkit availability, and multidisciplinary collaboration. Conclusions: This study highlights the need for system-level changes to enable HCPs to deliver consistent, effective messaging that promotes PA and reduces SED, ultimately improving health outcomes for CYP receiving clinical input. Facilitating this approach requires embedding PA promotion into HCP training, expanding referral pathways to CYP, and strengthening multidisciplinary working. |
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| Keywords: |
health promotion; behaviour change; lifestyle interventions; child health |
| College: |
Faculty of Science and Engineering |
| Funders: |
Fee waived |
| Issue: |
12 |
| Start Page: |
1801 |