Analysis of Fourteen National French Programs on Physical Activity and Sports as Determinants of Health from 2001 to 2006

Physical activity and sports are considered one of the determinants of health. This study reviews the rationale behind this public health issue and its integration into national policy. The study shows that fourteen national programs were drafted and implemented between 2001 and 2006 by seven institutions. The research methodology was based on cross-sectional data obtained through semi-structured interviews and documents regarding the design, implementation, and follow-up of these programs. For conditions for success, the fourteen actions scored an average of 175.0 ± 66.9 out of 300%. Public health actors and professionals must be given more opportunities to involve themselves and engage in developing stronger relationships and linkages, in particular with the institutional and community settings. In general, the most invested parts of a program are the structural and operational aspects of activities. Five  significant points emerged from the study: (i) performance-enhancing drug use as an addictive behavior; (ii) recognition of the psychological stress affecting professional athletes; (iii) acknowledgment of youth as being at high risk for doping behavior; (iv) integration of the concept that physical activity and sports must take the risk-benefit perspective into account; and (v) the necessity to promote health. Through the exchange of numerous local and regional experiences, an optimization of their synergies was made possible on a continuum extending from health promotion through physical activity and sports to the prevention of drug use and doping behaviors. Professionals have been able to develop actions in the above-mentioned domains across this continuum, which to date had remained isolated. Proposals are made to strengthen these dynamics. Other health determinants and public health priorities could be investigated with the same methodology.