Utilizing an Environmental Framework to Explore the Acceptability of a Health Promotion Program for Youth with Disabilities

ABSTRACT

This study explored the acceptability of Children and Teens in Charge of their Health (CATCH), a program for children with spina bifida or cerebral palsy to enhance their physical activity and diet. Qualitative interviews were conducted with children (n = 6) and their parents (n = 6) who participated in CATCH. Analysis used an environmental systems framework. Microsystem factors impacting acceptability of the program were: Children’s motivations for change, their age, and their physical health. Mesosystem factors were: Use of virtual coaching and the relationship between coach and child. Macrosystem factors (e.g. Covid-19), did not impact acceptability, but affected some goal attainment strategies. CATCH was broadly acceptable to children and parents and shows promise as a health promotion program tailored to children with disabilities. An environmental systems framework can potentially help other health promotion programs enhance their acceptability and success.

KEYWORDS:

• Acceptability
• diet
• health promotion
• intervention
• physical activity

Acknowledgments

The authors wish to thank the participants who graciously shared their time and experiences with us.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The work was supported by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research [153189].