Importance of Program Leaders' Lifestyle Habits and Perceptions of the FitSpirit Program School-based Approach's Impact

Abstract

The study aimed to describe the lifestyle habits of program leaders recruited from a diversity of school personnel, document their perception of changes in physical activity (PA) levels in teenage girls and their network, and assess how program leaders' lifestyle habits affect their perception of the impact of the FitSpirit program. Data were collected from 50 adult program leaders, including sociodemographic information, PA levels, recreational screen time, sleep, and eating habits. Additionally, leaders' perceptions of the FitSpirit approach were analyzed. Most program leaders adhered to the recommended physical activity levels, recreational screen time, and sleep patterns. However, their eating habits were less aligned with recommended guidelines. Leaders who met the physical activity recommendations positively influenced their colleagues and friends to stay active, though this effect did not extend to teenage girls. Adhering to the physical activity requirements may be important for program leaders to encourage friends and colleagues to remain active.