P241 Why won't children keep exercising? Barriers and facilitators to exercise and physical activity maintenance - a qualitative study

Given that physical activity (PA) plays an important role in early childhood, understanding the factors that affect the practice of PA at an early age could help develop effective strategies for overcoming barriers and increasing activity levels in this age group. A qualitative study was conducted based on grounded theory aimed at exploring the perceptions of mothers and fathers from Cuenca and Ciudad Real (Castilla La Mancha, Spain) regarding barriers and facilitators of physical activity of their children during the adiposity rebound period. Data were collected using focus groups involving 46 parents of children in the 3rd grade of pre-school and 1st grade of elementary school. During the analysis, the socio-ecological model and grounded theory were used. The barriers encountered were the preferences of children for sedentary activities (individual factors), academic tasks as a main priority of parents, the influence of older siblings and the unfavorable school environment (microsystem), the lack of family conciliation (mesosystem), and barriers related to the built environment or lack of facilities for physical activity (exosystem). Facilitators were the preferences for active games (individual factors), parental models including the co-participation of parents in activities, the influence of friends, living in large homes, the support provided by teachers and the school (microsystem), living in rural areas, having sufficient facilities, favorable weather conditions (exosystem), and the existence of free or subsidized activities (macro system). Programs aimed at promoting PA in early childhood should include strategies that address contextual factors and not only focus on individual factors related to the child.

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Barriers and Facilitators of Physical Activity among Adolescents of Debre Berhan City Administration; Qualitative Study.

10.21203/rs.2.19649/v1 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Osman Yimer Mohammed ◽

Esubalew Tesfahun ◽

Abdurahman Mohammed

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Urban Planning ◽

Focus Group ◽

Qualitative Study ◽

School Environment ◽

Role Model ◽

Barriers And Facilitators ◽

Personal Factors ◽

City Administration ◽

Debre Berhan

Abstract Background: Most adolescents are insufficiently physically active and it contributes to 3.2 million deaths each year. Environmental and systemic factors influence the level of physical activity. Sedentary work and living environments, socioeconomic status and limited access to facilities are barriers ofphysical activity. Objectives: The main objective of this study was to explore barriers and facilitators of physical activity among adolescents of Debre Berhan City Administration. Methodology: School based qualitative study was conducted among 64 adolescents in Debre Berhan City Administration from June 1-20 2019. Data was collected using eight focus group discussions with a focus group guide. Inductive analysis was done using ATLA.ti version 7. Result: A total of eight focus group discussion were conducted from June 1-20/2019. Three out of the sixty-four participants reported that they do physical activity on a regular basis. Social and personal factors (lack of role model, absence of family or friend influence, bad example, shortage of time, lack of interest and financial constraints) and environmental(Lack of access to play ground, lack of access to gymnasium, lack of conducive environment, poor school environment, harsh (polluted) environment, not friendly (girls) environment, poor urban planning and developmental activities) factors were reported to be barriers of physical activity while being member of a club, improving self-image and maintaining fitness are facilitators of physical activity. Conclusion and Recommendation: Lack of social support, lack of access to play ground and poor construction and developmental activities are the main barriers of physical activity. Therefore, Debre Berhan City Administration should work towards improving urban planning and avail girls’ friendly playground and gymnasium for every resident. Key Words Physical activity, Qualitative Study, Barriers, Facilitators

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