Supporting and inhibiting factors, and their associated strategies, for a successful implementation of an exercise and sport intervention among refugees living in a Greek refugee camp, as perceived by the coaches: A qualitative interview study

Background: Refugees face severe physical and psychological stressors and trauma, necessitating a shift in humanitarian aid. Today, exercise and sport have demonstrated potential in treating psychiatric disorders. The SALEEM study is one of the initial exercise and sport interventions for refugees with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in a Greek refugee camp. However, research on the perspectives and experiences of exercise and sport coaches involved in the programme are non-existent. Gathering insights from coaches is essential to develop a sustainable and standardised programme adaptable and transferable to other camps.
Method: This study conducted narrative interviews with six Greek university students aged 20 to 25 involved in the SALEEM programme, exploring positive and negative aspects of their experiences and perceptions. Using the content-structuring qualitative content analysis after Kuckartz (2022a), the interviews were analysed for supporting and inhibiting factors, with their associated strategies for a successful implementation of the programme. The study also
examined the relevance of the Self-Determination Theory (SDT) to the programme.
Results: The study revealed results across three thematical areas: interaction, engagement, and objectives, which identified a range of supporting and inhibiting factors, with their associated strategies aimed at a successful implementation of the programme. Suggestions for improvements have been proposed based on these findings. In the narrative interviews, coaches did not refer to SDT.
Conclusion: The study’s findings can contribute in developing strategies for a standardised and sustainable exercise and sport programme adaptable and transferable to other refugee camps. Nevertheless, various potential challenges of implementing these programmes in diverse camps
must be taken into account.