Evidence-based decision making and promotion of physical activity among directors of local health departments

• Published in: Revista de saúde pública Vol. 52; p. 90
• Main Authors: Becker, Leonardo Augusto, Rech, Cassiano Ricardo, Hino, Adriano Akira Ferreira, Reis, Rodrigo Siqueira
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Brazil Faculdade de Saúde Pública da Universidade de São Paulo 01.01.2018; Universidade de São Paulo
• Subjects: Administrative Personnel; Adult; Aged; Brazil; Cross-Sectional Studies; Decision Making; Evidence-Based Practice; Exercise; Exercise and Movement Techniques; Female; Formulation of Policies; Health Plans and Programs; Health Policy & Services; Health Promotion; Health Promotion - methods; Humans; Interviews as Topic; Male; Middle Aged; Original; Program Evaluation; Unified Health System; Young Adult; Brazil; Decision Making; Unified Health System; Tomada de Decisões; Promoção da Saúde; Formulação de Políticas; Técnicas de Exercício e de Movimento; Sistema Único de Saúde; Health Promotion; Health Plans and Programs; Exercise and Movement Techniques; Planos e Programas de Saúde; Formulation of Policies
• ISSN: 0034-8910; 1518-8787; 1518-8787
• DOI: 10.11606/S1518-8787.2018052000379

To describe the steps involved in evidence-based decision making for the implementation of programs aimed at the promotion of physical activity. It is a descriptive, cross-sectional study with quali-quantitative approach, held with municipal health secretaries chosen deliberately by regional health representatives of the state of Paraná. A total of 27 secretaries participated in a telephone interview consisting of 17 open questions. Content analysis was conducted according to the categories of an evidence-based decision-making model consisting of seven steps. None of the participants employed every step of the evidence-based decision-making model. The steps that were most often mentioned included: evaluation of the program (33.3%), use of evidence from the literature (22.2%) and identification of the problem (22.2%). The steps that were reported the least included: quantification of the problem (14.8%), development and prioritization of actions (14.8%), development of the plan of action (14.8%) and evaluation of the community (3.7%). The use of evidence-based decision making in the context of the promotion of physical activity was shown to be incipient among the health secretaries of the state of Paraná. We suggest widening dissemination and training on the use of evidence-based decision making among municipal administrators to increase the effectiveness of actions for promotion of physical activity.