Developing a Study Protocol for Analyzing Policies to Promote Physical Activity Among Urban Middle-Aged People: A Case of a Metropolitan City in Iran

Background: The level of physical activity (PA) among middle-aged Iranians is less than optimal. This study will be carried out to analyze and recommend policy options to promote PA among urban middle-aged adults in Tabriz, one of the metropolitan cities in Iran. Methods: This multi-method policy analysis study will include the following four phases: First, a qualitative content analysis to explore the reasons for lack of PA. Second, a comparative study of successful PA programs and policies in Iran and other similar developing countries. Third, a qualitative thematic analysis based on the policy triangle to analyses PA promotion policies using the key informants’ views. Fourth, analysis and prioritizing the policy options suggested by a panel of experts using the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) techniques. Conclusions: Prospective policy analysis promises the systematic process of selecting potentially effective policy options to promote PA in metropolitan settings of developing countries. The results of this study will provide a comprehensive vision of the most appropriate policy options based on the criteria of acceptability, effectiveness, and feasibility for addressing PA at the local and national levels. Considerations on the challenges of PA policymaking cycle and the barriers to the implementation of current policies in the Iranian context will also be identified.