Empowerment through participation in community-based participatory research-effects of a physical activity promotion project among socially disadvantaged women.

Introduction: Community-based participatory research (CBPR) approaches are associated with a range of positive impacts on empowerment. However, only a few studies have investigated the influence of different modes of target group participation on empowerment. The present study examined the empowerment processes and outcomes of women in difficult life situations through their participation as co-researchers in the form of Photovoice in "Stark durch Bewegung" (English: "Strong through Movement"), a CBPR project for physical activity (PA) promotion. The extent to which women's participation as co-researchers leads to empowerment was compared with other forms of participation. Methods: The Photovoice approach consisted of three components: (1) photo task, (2) focus group interviews, and (3) exhibition of photos. It was then extended through participant observation. A total of 18 women took part in Photovoice. They took photos, were involved in four focus groups, helped in the analysis of data, and supported their exhibition. Two additional short focus group interviews in which four more women participated were conducted at the end of the project. The interview guideline was based on the SHOWeD questions proposed within the framework of Photovoice and enriched with various other questions (e.g., self-efficacy, social contacts, and community involvement). The data were analyzed based on a grounded theory approach. Results: "Stark durch Bewegung" contributed to women's empowerment in several ways. By participating in the project's PA programs, the women reported numerous empowerment effects, such as improved self-efficacy, perceived competencies like swimming and language skills, and social networks. By participating as co-researchers, they perceived empowering processes on organizational and community levels that are comparable with other forms of participation (e.g., participation in a cooperative planning group) but also differ from them at relevant points (e.g., encouraging them to reflect on their own PA behaviors). The willingness to get involved in Photovoice was estimated to be significantly higher than in other possible forms of participation. Conclusion: Our findings support the notion that health promotion interventions with marginalized groups can contribute to their empowerment on multiple levels when participants become equal partners in the CBPR project. Involving women as co-researchers has advantages over other forms of participation in terms of their empowerment.

[Cooperative planning of measures to promote physical activity : New paths for expanding capabilities-results from the Capital4Health research consortium]. / Kooperative Planung von Maßnahmen zur Bewegungsförderung : Neue Wege zur Erweiterung von Handlungsmöglichkeiten ­ Ergebnisse aus dem Forschungsverbund Capital4Health.

BACKGROUND: Despite various national and international political initiatives for promoting physical activity at the population level, the development of effective interventions for physical activity promotion remains a challenge. In this context, there is a growing interest in participatory approaches that actively involve central setting actors in the development of specific measures. AIM OF THE ARTICLE: This article reports on the experience made by the Capital4Health research consortium while using a participatory approach called "cooperative planning" to increase capabilities for physical activity across different age groups. RESULTS: Capital4Health employed the cooperative planning approach in the childcare, school, vocational training (car mechatronics and nursing), and community setting (with a focus on men 50+). While the central elements of the approach were implemented in all settings, planning processes varied significantly with respect to the spectrum of involved actors, the number of participants and sessions, the specific measures developed, the evaluation methods, and the effects achieved at an individual and systems level. CONCLUSION: From the perspective of the Capital4Health principal investigators, the preliminary empirical results from the different settings allow for the overall conclusion that the cooperative planning approach can work and generate health promotion impact in very different settings. However, it must (and can) be adapted to the respective setting, especially in relation to involving population groups. Actors' readiness for change is crucial, as physical activity does not always have top priority in settings. In this context, key individuals can make a decisive contribution to a project's success.