Evaluation of programs and interventions for physical activity promotion in primary health care in Pernambuco: construction and validation of instruments and fieldwork methods of the SUS+Ativo Project

Abstract

The aim of this study was to describe methodological aspects of the Project SUS+Ativo – Evaluation of programs and interventions for physical activity promotion within the primary healthcare network in the state of Pernambuco. A methodological study, with descriptive analysis. The programs and interventions for physical activity promotion developed within the Primary Health Care system of the 184 municipalities in the state of Pernambuco, as well as the island of Fernando de Noronha, constituted this field of study. Data were collected from managers, professionals and users involved in these programs and interventions. For the subgroup of managers and professionals, a census was conducted, while for participants the sample was dimensioned by the size of the municipalities and number of programs and interventions on physical activity that were active at the time. The instruments presented the following dimensions: individual characteristics of respondent (socio economic profile and education); characteristics and management of the program/intervention being evaluated; technical competency of professionals; perception of the quality of the programs and/or interventions. An observation script was used, filled by the researchers, for assessment of the environment and ongoing activities. Results were presented according to the phases: 1^st) construction of matrixes, 2^nd) face and content validity; 3^rd) clarity and applicability of the instruments and 4^th) analysis of reproducibility for the instrument. Methodological resources used in this study may support the development of new research of evaluation of process, structure and results, as well as the planning of programs and interventions for physical activity promotion in the field of public health.