Physical inactivity as a policy problem: applying a concept from policy analysis to a public health issue

Abstract

Despite the recent rapid development of policies to counteract physical inactivity (PI), only a small number of systematic analyses on the evolution of these policies exists. In this article we analyze how PI, as a public health issue, “translates” into a policy-making issue. First, we discuss why PI has become an increasingly important public health issue during the last two decades. We then follow Guy Peters and conceptualize PI as a “policy problem” that has the potential to be linked to policy instruments and policy impact. Analysis indicates that PI is a policy problem that i) is chronic in nature; ii) involves a high degree of political complexity; iii) can be disaggregated into smaller scales; iv) is addressed through interventions that can be difficult to “sell” to the public when their benefits are not highly divisible; v) cannot be solved by government spending alone; vi) must be addressed through a broad scope of activities; and vii) involves interdependencies among both multiple sectors and levels of government.We conclude that the new perspective on PI proposed in this article might be useful and important for i) describing and mapping policies to counteract PI in different contexts; ii) evaluating whether or not existing policy instruments are appropriate to the policy problem of PI, and iii) explaining the factors and processes that underlie policy development and implementation. More research is warranted in all these areas. In particular, we propose to focus on comparative analyses of how the problem of PI is defined and tackled in different contexts, and on the identification of truly effective policy instruments that are designed to “solve” the PI policy problem.

Priorities of Municipal Policy Makers in Relation to Physical Activity and the Built Environment

“…7 However, multiple issues influence policymaker decisions, including budget, policy compatibility, and stakeholder interests. 8, 9 Understanding policymaker priorities and how to better target messages for this audience is critical for translating scientific findings into policy actions 10, 11 and identifying leverage points in the policy process. Previous studies have explored issues important to local policymakers that could impact obesity 12, 13 or active living 14–16 but have not addressed ways for public health professionals to strategically engage with policymakers to implement active living initiatives.…”

Programas de promoção de atividade física envolvendo caminhada nas universidades públicas brasileiras

“…Exercise; Health Promotion; Review; Universities; Program Evaluation INtRoduÇÃo A inatividade física vem sendo considerada um fator de risco primário e independente para muitos agravos à saúde, particularmente às doenças cardiovasculares e metabólicas 1 . Desde meados dos anos 90 as pesquisas vêm apoiando a prática de qualquer tipo de atividade física que trouxesse benefícios para saúde e a capacidade funcional, que não cause danos ou riscos 2 . Embora a literatura já tenha acumulado evidências que comprovem os benefícios da atividade física regular para a saúde, estudos têm apontado baixos níveis desse comportamento na população [3][4] .…”

Beliefs and Attitudes Regarding Determinants of Health in Turkey and Palestine

“…From this point, WHO pays a tremendous effort to offer health for all [38] by focusing policies and programs on the causes of health inequalities in and among the countries [32]. Health inequalities constitute from multidimensional factors [39] which widen the gap between advantaged and disadvantaged groups [40,41] but it is unnecessary and can be avoided [42,43] by developing life conditions [32,44] and socioeconomic policy guidance toward health [45], in other words, health in all policies [46].…”

“…Many countries, such as (United States of America [43,47,48], United Nations [27], Canada [49], Norway [46], Finland [50], Brazil [51], European Union [52] and Turkey [53]) strive to improve the health of their own people and reduce health disparities. For example, one of the basic principles of public health in Turkey is the holistic approach to health [53].…”