Process evaluation of Child-COOP Denmark: Promoting healthy physical activity behaviour in children aged 6-12 years

Background: Promoting (increasing and sustaining) young children’s physical activity levels presents a multifaceted challenge given the diverse array of influencing factors. This calls for a system-based participatory approach. This study aims to understand how such approach in the Child-COOP Denmark trial works, for whom and under which circumstances.

Methods: First, a dynamic program theory based on ‘if-then statements’ was developed targeting the greatest uncertainties of how Child-COOP Denmark works among municipality facilitators and participants. Next, the following process data was collected before, during, and after the participatory workshops: 1) registers of participants and dropout, 2) observations of adaptations and follow-up meetings with municipality facilitators; and 3) exit surveys among participants after each workshop. Based on data from 1-3, interviews among municipality facilitators and selected participants were conducted in each intervention community after the workshops (n=15).

Results and practical implications: We will present our ongoing and preliminary dynamic program theory showcasing how if-then-statements were derived to inform on-going adaptations to data collection during the implementation of Child-COOP Denmark. Preliminary mechanisms to be investigated include ownership among municipality facilitators, research-practice collaborations, policy involvement, and personal investments among participants to solve the problem. These findings provide timely insights into the feasibility and potential scalability of community-based interventions.

Conclusion: As participatory system dynamics approaches are relatively new approaches in solving complex health challenges, it is important to develop and share the best methods to unfold what works, for whom and under which circumstances.
Funding: This study received funding from Novo Nordisk Foundation.