Table 1.

Process evaluation components and questions, levels and data collection methods

Component	Evaluation questions	Data collection methods	Staff level/ Organisation	Participant level
Context	• What factors in the organization, community, social/political environment, or other situational issues could potentially affect intervention implementation?	• Observations using checklist • Semi-structured interviews	x	x
Recruitment	• What strategies were used to recruit participants? • What were the barriers to maintaining involvement of individuals?	• Observations • Semi-structured interviews	x
Reach/Participation	• What proportion of the target population participated in the intervention and in each program session? • Characteristics of intervention participants • What were the perceived reasons for non-participation?	• Daily participant attendance records • Observations using checklist • Semi-structured interviews	x	x
Dose delivered	• To what extent were the intended activities provided to the participants? • To what extent were the resources, including equipment and staffing used? • To what extent were all of the intended strategies and activities used?	• Observations, • Semi-structured interviews	x
Dose received	• To what extent participants, present in the fitness sessions, were engaged in the activities? • How did participants react to trainers, equipment and other participants?	• Observations • Semi-structured interviews	x	x
Satisfaction/feedback	• Did participants enjoy participating in group fitness activities? • How did they feel after the sessions? • What motivated them to participate?	• Observations • Semi-structured interviews	x	x
Fidelity	• To what extent was the intervention implemented consistent with the underlying theory and philosophy? • Did exercising in the group setting promote social interaction?	• Observations • Semi-structured interviews	x	x