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Journal of Public Health Advance Access originally published online on March 6, 2007
Journal of Public Health 2007 29(2):107-113; doi:10.1093/pubmed/fdm002
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© The Author 2007, Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Faculty of Public Health. All rights reserved

Socio-demographic patterning of referral, uptake and attendance in Physical Activity Referral Schemes



Christopher Gidlow, Researcher1,

Lynne H. Johnston, Doctoral Candidate2

Diane Crone, Senior Lecturer3

Clare Morris, Professor and Dean of Quality Assurance3

Alex Smith, Research Fellow4

Charlie Foster, Senior Researcher5

David V.B. James, Principal Lecturer3
1 Centre for Sport & Exercise Research, Staffordshire University, Mellor Building, College Road, Stoke on Trent, ST4 2DE, UK
2 Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
3 Faculty of Sport, Health and Social Care, University of Gloucestershire, Gloucester, UK
4 Epidemiology and Genetics Unit, University of York, York, UK
5 Division of Public Health and Primary Health Care, Oxford University, Oxford, UK

Address correspondence to Christopher Gidlow, E-mail: c.gidlow{at}staffs.ac.uk


  Abstract

Background Inadequate monitoring and participant profiling have so far prevented a detailed examination of who Physical Activity Referral Schemes (PARS) are accessible to and appropriate for. As a result, the nature of the role for PARS within public health is unknown.

Methods Participants were all those referred to a countywide PARS during a three-year period (n = 3568). Participant age, gender and the deprivation level and rurality of their area of residence were compared with the average for the county population. Characteristics associated with referral uptake (attending ≥1 exercise session) and completion (≥80% attendance), were identified using logistic regression.

Results Compared with the county average, participants were older, more predominantly female (61.1 vs 51.4%) and lived in more deprived areas (p < 0.001). Referral uptake (n = 2864) was most likely in those aged 60–69 years, and least likely for residents of rural villages and the most deprived areas (all p < 0.001). For participants who took up referral, completion was most likely in men and the over-seventies (p < 0.001).

Conclusions The PARS format may be inappropriate for younger adults or people living in relative deprivation and rural areas. They appear most appropriate for adults of middle-to-old age who are more likely to require supervision, and should be targeted accordingly.

Keywords: exercise referral, uptake, attendance, socio-demographic

Received for publication October 9, 2006. Revision received January 3, 2007.
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