Exercise based in-service training to primary healthcare staff for physical activity promotion among the public in Sri Lanka

Introduction: Although Sri Lanka has a well-established preventive and curative healthcare system, physical inactivity, which is one of the four main risk factors for development of NCDs is prevalent among one third the adult population. Implementation of in-service trainings in relation to reduction of physical inactivity and sedentary behavior has not been carried out in a uniform manner in Sri Lanka. Aim: To describe the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of a novel exercise based in-service training strategy for primary care health staff on promotion of physical activity among the public. Methods: The existing mechanism for promotion of physical activity among the public by the primary care staff was reviewed and challenges and limitations were identified. A series of consultative meetings were conducted with the participation of all stakeholders to develop a Training of Trainers (TOT) manual on physical activity guidelines for the public. In order to overcome the deficiencies identified a novel strategy was developed for the implementation of in-service trainings on the developed TOT manual at the Healthy Lifestyle Centers. A post training evaluation was conducted among the trainees three months after the training. Results: Out of the trainees, 138 (76.6%) responded to the post training follow up evaluation. Mean age of participants was 40.09 years (SD =7.18). Majority of the respondents were females (N=101, 73.2%). There were, 44 (31.8%) Medical officers, 45 (32.6%) Nursing Officers, 20 (14.5%) Public Health Nursing Officers, 11 (7.9%) Public Health Midwives, 2 (1.4%) Public Health Inspectors and 16 (11.5%) other staff members among the participants. The median satisfaction score was 7.9 out of 10. There was a significant improvement in competency following the training (X 2 =44.6, Df=1, P<0.05). Conclusions and Recommendations: The novel strategy is effective and was received with enthusiasm by the target audience. Possibility of implementing similar strategies for risk reduction of other modifiable NCD risk factors must be explored.