Teoría del cambio aplicada al programa de promoción de la actividad física «La Ribera Camina» / Theory of change implemented in the program to promote physical activity “La Ribera Camina”

Objetivo: Aplicar la teoría del cambio al diseño y la evaluación de un programa para promover la actividad física en 11 zonas básicas de salud. Método: Realización de cuatro grupos focales siguiendo la metodología de la teoría del cambio. Se identifican los cambios (a largo, medio y corto plazo) que se pretende alcanzar con el programa «La Ribera Camina» según la opinión de los agentes de interés: profesionales de atención primaria, concejalas/es y personal técnico municipal deportivo, y ciudadanía participante. A través de un análisis temático se identifican las acciones que se deben realizar para alcanzar estos cambios, y las dificultades y los facilitadores para la sostenibilidad del programa. Resultados: Los cambios identificados se clasificaron en cuatro apartados: 1) cambios en la salud física y social (mejoría en la condición física, hábitos saludables, autoestima y sensación de bienestar); 2) cambios organizativos y relacionales (mejor coordinación entre instituciones); 3) cambios específicos del programa (incorporación de más «activos» y asociaciones, sobre todo de hombres, y ampliación de rutas y horarios); y 4) cambios en el entorno (mejora de infraestructuras y seguridad de las rutas). Conclusiones: La teoría del cambio permite identificar y clasificar los cambios que se esperan, las acciones que deben realizarse y los vínculos entre elementos del programa. Esto servirá de base para la evaluación del programa. Dicha metodología podría aplicarse en otros programas que deseen incorporar la intersectorialidad y la participación comunitaria en su diseño y evaluación. (AU)

Objective: To develop a theory of change of a program to promote physical activity in eleven health districts, in order to improve its design and plan its evaluation. Method: Four focus groups were carried out, to develop a participatory theory of change, to identify the expected changes (long, medium and short term) of “La Ribera Camina” program, according to the following stakeholders: primary healthcare professionals, local government representatives and community members. A thematic analysis was used to identify the actions to be taken to achieve these changes, as well as the difficulties and facilitators to enhance the sustainability of the program. Results: The identified changes were classified into four themes: 1) changes in physical and social health (improved physical condition, healthy habits, self-esteem and perceived well-being); 2) organizational and relational changes (better coordination between institutions); 3) specific changes to the program (incorporation of more “assets” and local associations, especially male participants, more trails and schedules); and 4) changes in the environment (improved trails’ infrastructures and safety). Conclusions: The theory of change allows to identify and classify the changes that are expected, the actions to be carried out and the links between elements of the program. This will serve as the basis for its evaluation. This methodology could be applied to other programs interested in incorporating intersectorality and community engagement in their design and evaluation. (AU)

[Theory of change implemented in the program to promote physical activity "La Ribera Camina"]. / Teoría del cambio aplicada al programa de promoción de la actividad física «La Ribera Camina¼.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a theory of change of a program to promote physical activity in eleven health districts, in order to improve its design and plan its evaluation. METHOD: Four focus groups were carried out, to develop a participatory theory of change, to identify the expected changes (long, medium and short term) of "La Ribera Camina" program, according to the following stakeholders: primary healthcare professionals, local government representatives and community members. A thematic analysis was used to identify the actions to be taken to achieve these changes, as well as the difficulties and facilitators to enhance the sustainability of the program. RESULTS: The identified changes were classified into four themes: 1) changes in physical and social health (improved physical condition, healthy habits, self-esteem and perceived well-being); 2) organizational and relational changes (better coordination between institutions); 3) specific changes to the program (incorporation of more "assets" and local associations, especially male participants, more trails and schedules); and 4) changes in the environment (improved trails' infrastructures and safety). CONCLUSIONS: The theory of change allows to identify and classify the changes that are expected, the actions to be carried out and the links between elements of the program. This will serve as the basis for its evaluation. This methodology could be applied to other programs interested in incorporating intersectorality and community engagement in their design and evaluation.