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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2016 Apr 21:16:349.
doi: 10.1186/s12889-016-3010-4.

Process evaluation of the Bristol girls dance project

S J Sebire  1 , M J Edwards  2 , J M Kesten  2 , T May  2 , K J Banfield  2 , E L Bird  3 , K Tomkinson  4 , P Blair  4 , J E Powell  3 , R Jago  2
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Process evaluation of the Bristol girls dance project

S J Sebire et al. BMC Public Health. .

Abstract

Background: The Bristol Girls Dance Project was a cluster randomised controlled trial that aimed to increase objectively measured moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) levels of Year 7 (age 11-12) girls through a dance-based after-school intervention. The intervention was delivered in nine schools and consisted of up to forty after-school dance sessions. This paper reports on the main findings from the detailed process evaluation that was conducted.

Methods: Quantitative and qualitative data were collected from intervention schools. Dose and fidelity were reported by dance instructors at every session. Intervention dose was defined as attending two thirds of sessions and was measured by attendance registers. Fidelity to the intervention manual was reported by dance instructors. On four randomly-selected occasions, participants reported their perceived level of exertion and enjoyment. Reasons for non-attendance were self-reported at the end of the intervention. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with all dance instructors who delivered the intervention (n = 10) and school contacts (n = 9) in intervention schools. A focus group was conducted with girls who participated in each intervention school (n = 9).

Results: The study did not affect girls' MVPA. An average of 31.7 girls participated in each school, with 9.1 per school receiving the intervention dose. Mean attendance and instructors' fidelity to the intervention manual decreased over time. The decline in attendance was largely attributed to extraneous factors common to after-school activities. Qualitative data suggest that the training and intervention manual were helpful to most instructors. Participant ratings of session enjoyment were high but perceived exertion was low, however, girls found parts of the intervention challenging.

Conclusions: The intervention was enjoyed by participants. Attendance at the intervention sessions was low but typical of after-school activities. Participants reported that the intervention brought about numerous health and social benefits and improved their dance-based knowledge and skills. The intervention could be improved by reducing the number of girls allowed to participate in each school and providing longer and more in-depth training to those delivering the intervention.

Trial registration: ISRCTN52882523 Registered 25th April 2013.

Keywords: Adolescent; Dance; Girls; Physical activity intervention; Process evaluation; Secondary school.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Attendance per dance session across all intervention schools
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Self-reported reasons for not attending Active7 sessions
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Fidelity to the intervention manual over the course of the intervention
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Mean perceived enjoyment per school during the intervention
Fig. 5
Fig. 5
Mean perceived exertion levels per school on four occasions during the intervention
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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