Child and family experiences of a whole-system approach to physical activity: a citizen science evaluation protocol

Abstract

AbstractIntroductionWhole systems approaches are being adopted to tackle physical inactivity. The mechanisms contributing to changes resulting from whole system approaches are not fully understood. The voices of children and families that these approaches are designed for need to be heard to understand what is working, for whom, where, and in what context. This paper describes the protocol for the children and families’ citizen science evaluation of the JU:MP programme, a whole systems approach to increasing physical activity in children and young people aged 5-14 years in Bradford, UK.Methods and analysisThe evaluation aims to understand the lived experiences of children and families’ relationship with physical activity and participation in the JU:MP programme. The study takes a collaborative and contributory citizen science approach, including focus groups, parent-child dyad interviews and participatory research. Feedback and data will guide changes within this study and the JU:MP programme. We also aim to examine participant experience of citizen science and the suitability of a citizen science approach to evaluate a whole systems approach. Data will be analysed using Framework approach alongside iterative analysis with and by citizen scientists in the collaborative citizen science study.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval has been granted by The University of Bradford: Study One (E891-focus groups as part of the control trial, E982-parent-child dyad interviews), Study Two (E992). Results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and summaries will be provided to the participants, through schools or directly. The citizen scientists input to create further dissemination opportunities.Article SummaryStrengths and Limitations of this studyThis protocol is the first, to our knowledge, to describe a citizen science-based evaluation of a whole systems approach to physical activity with children and families.The novel and innovative study design allows children and families to be at the centre of our understanding of what encourages and discourages them to be active.By conducting citizen science as part of a reactive process evaluation, improvements to the research and the implementation can be made in real time, centred around those who matter mostThe study emphasises the importance of the research participant experience within citizen science and sets out how to evaluate and improve experience.Limitations include a small sample size. Whilst this is intentional as it will allow us to capture in depth, meaningful data over time, it will likely make it more difficult to capture a diverse range of experiences. There is an option for the children participating in the collaborative citizen science study to conduct research amongst their wider peers, this is dependent on whether they want to do this, to allow them freedom and ownership over the research