Adolescent girls' and parents' views on recruiting and retaining girls into an after-school dance intervention: implications for extra-curricular physical activity provision
2011

Adolescent Girls' and Parents' Views on After-School Dance Programs

Sample size: 81 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Russ Jago, Laura Davis, Jade McNeill, Simon J Sebire, Anne Haase, Jane Powell, Ashley R Cooper

Primary Institution: Centre for Exercise, Nutrition & Health Sciences, University of Bristol

Hypothesis

What factors affect the recruitment and retention of adolescent girls in after-school dance programs?

Conclusion

Recruitment and retention strategies focusing on enjoyment, socialization, and goal setting may effectively engage girls in after-school dance programs.

Supporting Evidence

  • Girls prefer dance programs that are fun and allow for socializing.
  • Parents believe that encouraging friends to join can increase participation.
  • Taster sessions can help girls decide if they want to commit to the program.

Takeaway

Girls are more likely to join a dance program if it's fun and they can bring friends. Parents also think it's important for girls to try a class before committing.

Methodology

Focus groups with 65 girls and phone interviews with 16 parents were conducted to explore factors influencing recruitment and retention.

Limitations

The study's sample was limited to four schools in Bristol, which may not represent broader populations.

Participant Demographics

Year 7 girls (ages 11-12) from four secondary schools in Bristol, UK.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1479-5868-8-91

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