Using a SWOT Analysis to Inform Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Strategies for a Remote First Nations Community in Canada

Abstract

Purpose. To plan community-driven health promotion strategies based on a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis of the healthy eating and physical activity patterns of First Nation (FN) youth. Design. Cross-sectional qualitative and quantitative data used to develop SWOT themes and strategies. Setting. Remote, subarctic FN community of Fort Albany, Ontario, Canada. Subjects. Adult (n = 25) and youth (n = 66, grades 6–11) community members. Measures. Qualitative data were collected using five focus groups with adults (two focus groups) and youth (three focus groups), seven individual interviews with adults, and an environmental scan of 13 direct observations of events/locations (e.g., the grocery store). Quantitative data on food/physical activity behaviors were collected using a validated Web-based survey with youth. Analysis. Themes were identified from qualitative and quantitative data and were analyzed and interpreted within a SWOT matrix. Results. Thirty-two SWOT themes were identified (e.g., accessibility of existing facilities, such as the gymnasium). The SWOT analysis showed how these themes could be combined and transformed into 12 strategies (e.g., expanding and enhancing the school snack/breakfast program) while integrating suggestions from the community. Conclusion. SWOT analysis was a beneficial tool that facilitated the combination of local data and community ideas in the development of targeted health promotion strategies for the FN community of Fort Albany.