This report presents the findings of the sixth survey in an on-going monitor of participants in the Green Prescriptions Active Families (Active Families) programme. As in previous years, the survey sought the views of participants about how well the programme worked for their child and family. The findings for 2014 represent the views of n=197 families, who participated in the programme between July 2013 and May 2014.
Purpose
This is the seventh annual assessment and sixth monitor of the effectiveness of the Ministry of Health GRx Active Families (Active Families) programme. The Ministry commissioned Research New Zealand to collate and analyse results from a survey of participants to get views about how well the programme worked for them, in terms of helping those children and families referred to it become more active and to get their feedback on the advice and support provided through the programme.
Methodology
The 2014 survey is the same as that developed for SPARC in 2008 and repeated in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013. The survey was administered as a self-completion questionnaire with the contract holders from each region taking responsibility for distributing and collecting the questionnaires. As in previous years, the questionnaire was distributed to participants in the Active Families programme approximately six months after their entry to the programme by Active Families co-ordinators in regions where the programme is run. Returns were received on a regular, approximately monthly basis. These findings represent responses received over the period from July 2013 to early May 2014. Responses were received from all Active Families contract holders.
A total of n=197 valid responses have been received in 2013 - 2014. This represents a response rate of 72 percent. The relatively low number of responses means that sub-group sample sizes are too small for meaningful comparisons to be made. Therefore, further analysis of sub-groups of participants has not been undertaken. It is further noted that throughout this report references will be made to the ‘child’ and ‘children’, which will encompass all children and young people who are referred to the programme.
Due to the relatively small samples year to year, there are no statistically significant differences between 2013 - 2014 and 2012 - 2013.
Key Results
Main survey points are:
- 76% % of participants are more active since receiving their GRx and 69% have encouraged other family members to get more active 90% % of families have made changes to their diets, mainly less sugary food and drink, eating fewer takeaways, more fruit and vegetables 97% % are now more aware of and understand the benefits of physical activity
- 91% of participants have noticed health changes including: willingness to try new activities, more energy and confidence, weight loss and less medication.