Sustainability of the impact of a public health intervention: lessons learned from the laval walking clubs experience

To inform health promotion practice regarding the sustainability of public health interventions, the authors interviewed the directors of 13 new community-based organizations created through a practitioner-initiated public health intervention designed to promote physical activity at the community level. The purpose of the interviews was to uncover the factors that lead organization directors to become involved in the initiative and to maintain their involvement across an extended period of time. Results showed that there were 3 categories of positive outcomes associated with leading a walking club: maintaining and improving health, personal satisfaction, and group motivation. Difficulties associated with directing the club included high participant turnover rates, isolation of club directors, and lack of support from community organizations. Club directors indicated that sustainability would be enhanced through developing individual competencies, becoming more proficient at leading group dynamics, and developing better rootedness in the community. This information is interpreted in light of the six factors associated with sustainability.