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Author ORCID Identifier

Jennifer Papenfuse: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4167-3773

Camille Skubik-Peplaski: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3488-9595

Shirley P. O'Brien: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8464-5057

Abstract

Rising youth public health disparities can be attributed to the social determinants of health that influence health and wellness. Youth sport providers can be influential in creating healthier environments that facilitate positive youth development and social emotional learning, thus positively impacting life-long health behaviors choices and public health. The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of an education module developed by an occupational therapist on sport’s providers perceptions of their capacity to implement positive youth development programming and to create a health-promoting environment.

A qualitative descriptive approach was used in this study allowing for purposive sampling, inductive thematic analysis, and flexible, multiple source data collection. Participants were given two weeks to review an educational module before completing a semi-structured interview. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed until themes emerged. Thematic analysis produced the following themes for results: (1) health promotion education facilitates occupational balance, (2) occupational identity enhances the social and cultural environment, and (3) supporting occupational behaviors promotes positive youth development. Each theme represented an interdependent relationship to participants’ capacity to change their environment. Research exploring youth sport providers occupational identity, behaviors, and capacity for change can better inform the occupational therapy profession on how to best motivate, advocate, and empower change in public health. Occupation-based interventions, education, and policymaking utilizing valued leisure occupations can create healthier physical, social, and cultural environments for youth athletes.

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