Community and Organizational Readiness to Adopt a Physical Activity Intervention in Micropolitan Settings.

Background: Assessing community and organizational readiness is key to successfully implementing programs. The purpose of this study was to assess the baseline readiness of micropolitan communities to adopt an evidence-based physical activity (PA) intervention by exploring three dimensions: (1) attitudes and current efforts toward prevention, (2) community and organizational climate that facilitates (or impedes) change, and (3) capacity to implement change.

Method: Data were collected from community leaders in 14 communities through an online survey in June 2021 (n = 149). Data were analyzed in aggregate using descriptive statistics for multiple-choice responses and content analysis for open ended responses. One-way repeated analyses of variance were used to compare mean score differences.

Results: In reference to their attitudes prior to the pandemic, respondents said that addressing PA was "somewhat a priority" in their professional positions ( = 2.01, = 0.94), their organizations ( = 2.08, = 0.91), and their communities ( = 2.28, = 0.88). Current PA efforts included statewide initiatives, community sponsored events/clubs, and youth sports leagues. The community climate included both PA facilitators (mainly outdoor PA resources) and barriers (cost, lack of social services, and an unsupportive PA environment). Individual-level capacity ( = 2.94; = 1.21) to adopt a PA program was regarded lower than the community's capacity ( = 3.95; = 0.82), and perceptions of capacity at the community level improved even more if technical assistance ( = 3.96; = 0.84) or financial support ( = 4.12; = 0.80) were provided.

Conclusion: Readiness varied by dimension, suggesting the need for tailored implementation supports including technical assistance and financial support.