Linking recreation and health with people living with chronic conditions

ABSTRACT

Globally, non-communicable chronic diseases are a leading health problem. Heart disease and stroke are the primary causes of death worldwide, followed by respiratory-related diseases such as chronic obstructive lung disease. Self-management is a strategy that helps individuals learn how to live well with their health conditions. For self-management to be effective, a strong network of agencies and stakeholders who can provide necessary education and supports must be developed and sustained. Recreation and community services are well positioned to link individuals with chronic conditions with health services and create a more holistic health network. The Expanded Chronic Care Model frames this project as it draws on population health promotion principles that acknowledge the influence of social and environmental determinants of health while emphasizing the importance of creating supportive community environments for health. This paper reports on a community-based participatory research project in a rural area of Nova Scotia Canada, aimed at identifying community-based approaches to support people with chronic conditions to live well in their community. The findings include themes related to community assets, barriers to participation in recreation, and action for moving forward collaboratively. Implications for managers in the recreation and health sectors are offered.

KEYWORDS:

• Chronic conditions
• collaboration
• community-based programs
• participatory action research
• recreation
• self-management

Acknowledgements

We would also like to acknowledge the community partners on the research team who co-facilitated this workshop: Gordon Tate (Chester Municipality) and Debby Smith (at the time with the Active Living Branch of the Department of Health and Wellness).

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This research was supported by a ‘Knowledge Sharing Support Award’ from the Nova Scotia Health Research Foundation and a research development award from Dalhousie University's Faculty of Health Professions.