Method: Using a critical theory approach to draw out the assumptions of these public health programs, a mixture of qualitative methods were utilized to determine what issues differed or corresponded across cases. Program documents were analyzed, site visits were made to each community, and 42 people were interviewed for this study, including GACPF members, local mayor’s fitness council members, and residents in each community. Data were collected until saturation was reached and triangulation was achieved.
Analysis/Results: After interviews were transcribed, the data were analyzed with the aid of QSR International’s NVIVO 9 software. Intercoder agreement was reached between the primary researcher and independent researchers for the emergent findings. The results reveal a significant drop-off in stakeholder involvement after program formulation, which largely explained why these programs were constrained in what could be implemented, went unevaluated, and had limited prospects for sustainability. The results of this study reveal the importance of understanding both social identity theory and manning theory. Role conflict was evident among many stakeholders and the programs quickly shifted from having an abundance of personnel to not having the necessary minimum to maintain the programs.
Conclusions: Community physical activity programs need to be sustainable because the benefits of many programs may not be realized for several years and non-sustainable programs may discourage future community efforts to increase physical activity. The results expose that some of the challenges of sustaining local physical activity programs cannot be eliminated and policymakers should take caution in assuming all communities have the capacity and personnel to sustain those programs. Nonetheless, an appreciation and better understanding for those difficulties and challenges can increase the possibility that they are mitigated, and physical activity programs can be carried out as intended and sustained.