
TY  - JOUR
A1  - Chang, Esther 
A1  - Bidewell, John 
A1  - Brownhill, Suzanne 
A1  - Farnsworth, Judy 
A1  - Ward, Jean 
A1  - Diehl, Hans 
T1  - Participant perceptions of a community-based lifestyle intervention: the CHIP
JF  - Health Promotion Journal of Australia
JO  - Health Promot J Aust
Y1  - 2012
VL  - 23
IS  - 3
SP  - 177
EP  - 182
KW  - 
UR  - https://doi.org/10.1071/HE12177 
N2  - Issue addressed: The Coronary Health Improvement Project (CHIP) is a community-based educational initiative designed to improve cardiovascular fitness and other health indicators associated with common, lifestyle-related health disorders in developed societies. Evaluations of the CHIP since the late 1990s, though yielding positive statistical results for change in participant physical health indicators, have not included qualitative assessments of the CHIP experience from the perspectives of CHIP participants. Methods: Data were obtained using a mixed methods survey design via a questionnaire completed by 79 respondents (71% female) who had participated in Australian CHIP programs. Responses were analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. Results: Participants commonly undertook the CHIP to fulfil their lifestyle and health aspirations and to target specific health conditions. Improved diet, enhanced exercise and weight loss were the most commonly reported benefits. Participation in the CHIP involves a process of conviction (involving risks and motivation), connection (involving support and reinforcement), challenge (involving control and struggle) and change (involving more and less). Conclusion: This study offers a model of a change process generated from the perspectives of participants of the CHIP in Australia. Not all participants found CHIP lifestyle recommendations straightforward to adopt, as some encountered resistance from within themselves or from family and friends. 
ER  -

