Factors associated with participation in resident action groups in metropolitan Sydney: a cross-sectional survey

Objective: To explore the characteristics of participants in resident actio n groups in metropolitan Sydney. Methods: A stratified random sample of participants in 50 groups registered with local councils were surveyed in 1997. Demographic, social/psychologic al cost/benefit, group process and group potency variables and four measure s of amount of participation were examined. Results: An increase in the hours of participation per month was associated with a decrease in the self-reported costs of participation, an increase i n the self-reported benefits of participation and an increase in group pote ncy. Involvement in a greater number of activities was associated with a de crease in the self-reported costs and an increase in the self-reported bene fits associated with participation, increased satisfaction with group proce sses, a decrease in group potency and an increase in the number of members known prior to group membership. Length of group membership was positively associated with age and more positive expectations of the group's future su ccess. An increase in the proportion of meetings attended was associated wi th self-reported satisfaction with group processes. Conclusions and implications: An important principle of public health is co mmunity participation. The results of this study indicate that the greatest potential for increasing individual participation may be in efforts to red uce the costs associated with participation, increase the benefits associat ed with participation and increase the satisfaction of group members with g roup processes.