Informing equitable implementation of the Play Active intervention for priority population groups: A qualitative study

The research was done to understand the barriers and facilitators to implementing the Play Active intervention in early childhood education and care (ECEC) services located in low socioeconomic and regional/remote areas. Equitable implementation of physical activity interventions have rarely been examined in these population groups.

Few barriers and facilitators specific to socioeconomic status or geographic location were identified. Key themes related to capacity to implement, accessibility of the intervention and place-based realities. Participants suggested adaptations to implementation support, including the addition of a ‘champion’ to lead implementation in the childcare service.

Physical activity interventions in ECEC may need to be adapted to the context of the ECEC service and the services capacity to implement an intervention to support equitable delivery, uptake and benefit. In particular, encouraging services to designate a ‘champion’ to lead implementation may support ECEC services.