Environmental barriers and enablers to physical activity participation among rural adults: a qualitative study

Interventions to promote physical activity participation should reflect social and culturally relevant influences of the target demographic. The aim of this study was to explore perceptions of barriers to and enablers of physical activity participation among female Emirati university students. Five semi-structured focus groups were conducted (n = 25). Participants were asked open-ended questions about benefits, barriers and enablers of physical activity, and recommendations to promote participation. Emergent themes were identified using Nvivo software. Commonly identified benefits included improved health, weight management, improved mood, and stress reduction. The main barriers were low family support, competing time demands from domestic and academic activities, lack of convenient access to women-only facilities, and hot weather. The main enablers and recommendations related to social support from family and friends, accessible and low-cost women-only facilities, and structured supervised sessions. Findings suggest that there are specific social-cultural influences of physical activity among female Emirati university students. Approaches to promote participation could include identifying benefits consistent with family and cultural values, using social media for education, support and modelling, on campus supervised physical activity sessions integrated with the academic timetable, low-cost women-only opportunities in the local residential area, and support for home-based activities.

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Healthy Dietary Choices and Physical Activity Participation in the Canadian Arctic: Understanding Nunavut Inuit Perspectives on the Barriers and Enablers

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18030940 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (3) ◽

pp. 940

Author(s):

Victor O. Akande ◽

Timothy O. Fawehinmi ◽

Robert A.C. Ruiter ◽

Stef P.J. Kremers

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Chronic Diseases ◽

Weather Conditions ◽

Physical Activity Participation ◽

Photo Elicitation ◽

Activity Participation ◽

Barriers And Enablers ◽

Dietary Choices ◽

Lifestyle Choices ◽

Healthy Diets

Background: Research shows that unhealthy diets and low physical activity are associated with high rates of obesity-linked chronic diseases amongst Nunavut Inuit. To provide contextual insights and deepen our understanding of the factors that underlie these lifestyle choices, we explored the perspectives of Nunavut Inuit on the barriers and enablers of healthy diets and physical activity participation in the community of Iqaluit. Methods: One-on-one semi-structured photo-elicitation interviews were conducted with 16 participants of 18 years and over (10 women, six men). The interviews uncovered the participants’ perspectives on the factors influencing healthy diets and physical activity in their community. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and uploaded to QSR NVIVO Version 12. Data analysis was achieved using an inductive thematic approach. Results: Six main factors were identified as barriers or enablers to energy balance-related behaviors: cost and affordability of healthy choices; availability of traditional foods and activities; weather conditions and climate change; infrastructure and community resources; social networks of family and friends; and effect of substance use. Conclusion: This study identified six broad areas that should be considered while mapping out interventions to reduce the burden of obesity-related chronic diseases in Nunavut communities.

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Addressing the Challenges, Barriers, and Enablers to Physical Activity Participation in Priority Women’s Groups

Journal of Physical Activity and Health ◽

10.1123/jpah.6.5.589 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 6 (5) ◽

pp. 589-596 ◽

Cited By ~ 18

Author(s):

Cristina Caperchoine ◽

William K. Mummery ◽

Kelly Joyner

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Physical Activity Participation ◽

Activity Participation ◽

Women's Groups ◽

Barriers And Enablers ◽

Group Evaluation ◽

Physical Activity Interventions ◽

Women’S Groups ◽

Barriers And Challenges ◽

Government Initiative

Background:The Women’s Active Living Kits (WALK) Pilot Program was an Australian federal government initiative designed to identify an effective model for extending physical activity participation in government identified priority women’s groups. The purpose of this study is to address the barriers and challenges to physical activity participation in selected priority women’s groups and present possible strategies to assist with engaging these groups in physical activity.Methods:Ten focus group evaluation sessions were undertaken with priority women’s groups who took part in the WALK program. Participants were encouraged to share their opinions, perceptions and beliefs regarding their physical activity behaviors, in a semistructured, open table discussion.Results:Participants reported a number of psychological and cognitive, sociocultural, and environmental factors which restricted their participation in physical activity. Participants also highlighted strategies they felt would enable physical activity participation.Conclusions:These findings are valuable and should be used as a platform to inform the design and implementation of future physical activity interventions for priority women’s groups.

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