Guest Perceptions of Physical Activity Point-of-Decision Prompts at a Conservatory with Botanical Gardens

• Main Authors: Corinne Natale, Mary Kathryn Poole, Emily A. Kalnicky, Sharon E. Taverno Ross
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2019-06-01
• Series: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
• Subjects: physical activity promotion; botanical garden; children; adult; public health
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/16/12/2074

Point-of-decision prompts are cost-effective strategies to promote physical activity in public spaces. This study explored how adult and child guests of a conservatory with botanical gardens perceived point-of-decision prompts that aimed to promote physical activity. Seven point-of-decision prompts were developed and displayed throughout the conservatory. Adult guests (<i>n</i> = 140) were invited to complete a voluntary and anonymous survey to assess awareness of point-of-decision prompts, adult&#8722;child interactions, and physical activity engagement. Descriptive statistics were calculated using SPSS version 23. Sixty-one percent of guests (<i>n</i> = 86) who responded to the survey noticed the point-of-decision prompts. Over 65% (<i>n</i> = 56) of those guests completed at least one of the physical activities, and 53% (<i>n</i> = 46) completed one to three. Of guests attending with (a) child(ren) (<i>n</i> = 17) who completed the survey, over half (<i>n</i> = 9) engaged in at least one physical activity together. In sum, the point-of-decision prompts were noticed by some guests in this public space. More research is needed to determine whether point-of-decision prompts are able to lead to sustainable behavior change.