scholarly journals “I feel proper self-conscious all the time”: A qualitative study of adolescent girls’ views of menstruation and physical activity.

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. 279
Author(s):  
Jessica Harvey ◽  
Lydia Emm-Collison ◽  
Simon J. Sebire
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Adolescent Girls ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Strong Influence ◽  
Perceived Barriers ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Personal Factors ◽  
Sports Teams ◽  
Effective Interventions ◽  
Active Data

Background: Many children and adolescents do not engage in sufficient physical activity. Girls are less active than boys, and their activity levels decline more steeply with age. Menstruation may be associated with the decline in girls’ activity but there are few person-centred studies examining adolescent girl’s experiences of menstruation and physical activity. These are needed to understand the influence that menstruation has on the physical activity experiences of girls to inform effective interventions. Methods: Focus groups were conducted with 46 girls aged 13-15 years across three schools. The discussions explored; experiences of, barriers to and facilitators of being active during menstruation; experiences in physical education/sports teams; and talking with others about periods and being active. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Four themes were identified: 1) balancing perceived barriers and benefits 2) motivation and enjoyment, 3) social influences and 4) coping strategies. Participants reported using diverse strategies to overcome barriers to being active posed by menstruation and the importance of peer-support and enjoyable forms of activity. Conclusions: Menstruation has a strong influence on girls’ physical activity experiences through intra- and inter-personal factors. The implications for how these can be addressed in efforts to increase girls’ physical activity are discussed.

Formative Research to Develop the IDEFICS Physical Activity Intervention Component: Findings from Focus Groups with Children and Parents

2010 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 246-256 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leen Haerens ◽  
Ilse De Bourdeaudhuij ◽  
Gabriele Eiben ◽  
Fabio Lauria ◽  
Silvia Bel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Young Children ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Physical Activity Intervention ◽  
Perceived Barriers ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Personal Factors ◽  
Intervention Component ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Children And Parents

Background:The current study aimed at describing influencing factors for physical activity among young children to determine the best approaches for developing the IDEFICS community based intervention.Methods:In 8 European sites a trained moderator conducted a minimum of 4 focus groups using standardized questioning guides. A total of 56 focus groups were conducted including 36 focus groups with parents and 20 focus groups with children, of which 74 were boys and 81 girls. Key findings were identified through independent reviews of focus group summary reports using content analysis methods.Findings:Findings were generally consistent across countries. The greatest emphasis was on environmental physical (eg, seasonal influences, availability of facilities and safety), institutional (eg, length of breaks at school), and social factors (eg, role modeling of parents). Most cited personal factors by parents were age, social economical status, and perceived barriers. Both children and parents mentioned the importance of children’s preferences.Conclusions:To increase physical activity levels of young children the intervention should aim at creating an environment (physical, institutional, social) supportive of physical activity. On the other hand strategies should take into account personal factors like age and social economical status and should consider personal barriers too.

scholarly journals The effects of social distancing and self-isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic on adults diagnosed with asthma: A qualitative study

2021 ◽  
pp. 135910532110127
Author(s):  
Leanne Tyson ◽  
Wendy Hardeman ◽  
Gareth Stratton ◽  
Andrew M Wilson ◽  
Joanna Semlyen
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Lifestyle Changes ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Window Of Opportunity ◽  
Social Distancing ◽  
Online Focus Groups ◽  
Physical Activity Levels

This study aimed to explore how social distancing and self-isolation measures, aimed at protecting vulnerable groups from COVID-19, affected the wellbeing and physical activity levels among adults diagnosed with asthma. Twenty-seven participants took part across four online focus groups. Transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis. Participants reported becoming more health conscious due to being labelled as vulnerable. Their relationship with the severity of their asthma was altered and they reported making positive changes to increase their physical activity levels. Findings suggest there is a window of opportunity to engage with people diagnosed with asthma to promote beneficial lifestyle changes and self-management.

Erratum: Stanish et al. (2015)

2018 ◽  
Vol 35 (3) ◽  
pp. 326
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Intellectual Disabilities ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Perceived Barriers ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Typically Developing ◽  
Link Type ◽  
Activity Enjoyment

In the article Stanish, H., Curtin, C., Must, A., Phillips, S., Maslin, M., and Bandini, L. (2015). Enjoyment, barriers, and beliefs about physical activity in adolescents with and without autism spectrum disorder. Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly, 32(4), 302-317. doi:10.1123/APAQ.2015-0038, the authors omitted acknowledgment that the study was an extension of a larger (parent) study that compared physical activity levels and correlates among adolescents with intellectual disabilities (ID) and typically developing (TD) adolescents. Some of the methods for the study published in this journal are identical to those in the parent study, and the same comparison group of TD adolescents was used for both disability groups (ID and autism spectrum disorder). The online version of the article has been corrected.The parent study was published as Stanish, H.I., Curtin, C., Must, A., Phillips, S., Maslin, M., & Bandini, L. (2016). Physical activity enjoyment, perceived barriers, and beliefs among adolescents with and without intellectual disabilities. Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 13(1), 102–110. doi:10.1123/jpah.2014-0548.

Perceived Barriers to Walking in the Neighborhood Environment: A Survey of Middle-Aged and Older Adults

2007 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 318-335 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jill Dawson ◽  
Melvyn Hillsdon ◽  
Irene Boller ◽  
Charlie Foster
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Neighborhood Environment ◽  
Perceived Barriers ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Environmental Attributes ◽  
Physical Activity Levels ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Low Levels ◽  
The Uk

The authors investigated whether low levels of walking among older adults in the UK were associated with demographic and health characteristics, as well as perceived environmental attributes. Survey data were obtained from self-administered standard questionnaires given to 680 people age 50+ (mean age 64.4 yr) attending nationally led walking schemes. Items concerned with demographic characteristics and perceived barriers to neighborhood walking were analyzed using multiple logistic regression. Citing more than 1 environmental barrier to walking, versus not, was associated with significantly reduced levels of (leisure) walking (MET/hr) in the preceding week (Z = –2.35, p = .019), but physical activity levels overall did not differ significantly (Z = –0.71, p = .48). Citing a health-related barrier to walking significantly adversely affected overall physical activity levels (Z = –2.72, p = .006). The authors concluded that, among older people who favor walking, health problems might more seriously affect overall physical activity levels than perceived environmental barriers.

Abstract P269: Examining the Unique Contribution of Physical Education and Sports Team Participation to Overall Levels of Adolescent Physical Activity

Circulation ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 125 (suppl_10) ◽  
Author(s):  
Clare M Lenhart ◽  
Alexandra Hanlon ◽  
Youjeong Kang ◽  
Brian P Daly ◽  
Michael Brown ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Physical Education ◽  
Regression Model ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Physical Education Class ◽  
Sports Teams ◽  
Highly Active ◽  
Education Class ◽  
Sports Team

Background: Adolescent females are significantly less likely to meet physical activity recommendations than males; this gender disparity is also evident among adults. Physical education class and sports teams represent an important opportunity for physical activity among youth. Females, in particular, may rely on these opportunities since they are less likely to be active during unstructured time as compared to males. This study examined the relative contribution of participation in physical education class and sports teams to overall levels of physical activity for females and males, independent of known correlates of physical activity in this group of adolescents. Methods: Cross-sectional data was examined from 591 9 th −12 th grade students from Philadelphia public schools who completed the 2009 Youth Risk Behavior Assessment. The relationship between the independent variables (participation in physical education class and sports teams) and other selected correlates (race, grade level, body mass index, depression symptoms and suicidal ideation, eating habits and weight concern, drug use, television watching and computer use) and physical activity was evaluated using chi-square tests. Variables with an association of p<.3 were entered into a stepwise regression model to estimate the relative association of each variable with activity levels. A final regression model stratified by gender was generated to estimate gender differences. Results: Sixty-two percent of the sample was female, 50% were African American, 19% were overweight, and 33% reported five or more days of activity in the last week. Females were less likely to be active than males (x 2 (2, N = 591) = 33.72, p = <.01): 27.9% of females were sedentary as compared to 10.6% of males. PE class was not significantly related to overall physical activity among males, while highly active females were seven times more likely to report participating in PE class every day than sedentary females (Exp(B)=7.06; p=.001). Playing on one or more sports teams was significantly associated with low-to-moderate (Exp(B)=2.14; p=.02) and highly active females (Exp(B)=3.24; p<.01). Among males, sports team participation was only associated with high levels of activity (Exp(B)=2.79; p=.05). Conclusions: Participation in sports teams and physical education class contribute more to overall activity levels in female than male adolescents. A more rigorous assessment of this hypothesis is warranted to inform efforts to promote adolescent activity levels, particularly among females.

Perceptions of Physical Activity Changes Due to COVID-19 Restrictions Among Women in the United Kingdom

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Jacky J. Forsyth ◽  
Lorna Makay ◽  
Victoria Riley
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
United Kingdom ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Lifestyle Behaviors ◽  
Home Life ◽  
Safe Environment ◽  
Telephone Interviews ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Active Lifestyles

The purpose of the current study was to explore, via interview, how and why women felt their physical activity levels and active lifestyles had been affected by COVID-19. Telephone interviews were conducted with 23 women, aged between 28 and 52 years from a variety of socioeconomic backgrounds in the United Kingdom. Based on reflexive thematic analysis, the perceived reduction in exercise and the increase in sedentary behavior that many of these women experienced were felt to be a result of the physical restrictions imposed through gym and leisure-facility closure, the change in circumstance (both work and home life), the perceived risks associated with exercising during a pandemic, as well as a lack of peer support. In contrast, some women experienced increased opportunity and time to exercise, which they felt benefited their health. For any future pandemic-related restrictions, exercise practitioners should consider promoting exercise with others in a safe environment in order to ensure that women’s healthy exercise and lifestyle behaviors are maintained.

scholarly journals Walking in a winter wonderland? an assessment of winter maintenance and physical activity features in Smythe Park, Toronto

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Bianchi
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Strong Influence ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Winter Maintenance ◽  
Park Use ◽  
Dog Walking ◽  
Physical Activity Levels ◽  
Park Quality

Objective. To determine how the features, conditions, and maintenance of a low-income park affect the use of the park for physical activity during the winter months. Method. Direct observation of park use; assessment of park quality based on a developed assessment tool; and supplementary surveys with park users. Results. The park lacked winter park features (e.g. ice rink, tobogganing hill) and supporting amenities (e.g. washrooms, rental facilities). There was evidence of winter maintenance, however, it was inconsistent: most trails were cleared of snow on all visits, but large ice patches were present and had not been cleared. The park was used primarily for walking and dog walking, although respondents noted that the lack of maintenance in the park affected if they used it for physical activity. Conclusion. Winter maintenance of parks and the presence of winter features affect park use, with snow removal, ice removal, and the presence of bathrooms having a strong influence on physical activity levels in the winter months. Park planners should consider year-round maintenance and programming in order to promote engagement in physical activity during all seasons.

Influence of Social Support and Pubertal Development on Physical Activity Levels in Adolescent Girls

2014 ◽  
Vol 46 ◽  
pp. 519-520
Author(s):  
Marion Bakhoya ◽  
Catherine Gammon ◽  
Karin A. Pfeiffer ◽  
Lorraine Robbins ◽  
Anamaría Kazanis
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Adolescent Girls ◽  
Pubertal Development ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Physical Activity Levels

A Qualitative Approach to Understanding the Relationship Between Mothers’ and Daughters’ Body Image and Physical Activity Levels

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (5) ◽  
pp. 665-696
Author(s):  
Kellie Walters ◽  
Christine Chard ◽  
Denise Anderson
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Body Image ◽  
South Carolina ◽  
Adolescent Girls ◽  
Psychosocial Health ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Framework Analysis ◽  
Mothers And Daughters ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Institutional Review

The aim of this study was to explore the physical activity behaviors and body image of adolescent girls and their mothers. Adolescent girls ( N = 44) and their mothers ( N = 19) were recruited from three middle schools (two Colorado and one South Carolina). Girls qualifying for free or reduced-price lunches comprised 53% (South Carolina), 32% (Colorado), and 39% (Colorado) of participants. Focus groups with questions pertaining to body image and physical activity were conducted with daughters and mothers. The study was approved by the first author’s Institutional Review Board. Data were assessed using the five-step framework analysis. A thematic framework was identified, quotes were divided under the thematic content, and results were then interpreted by analyzing links among the whole data set. Four themes and eight subthemes emerged: (1) complex communication, with subthemes of daughter’s frustration and mother’s confusion, (2) societal expectations of women, with subthemes of social networks and women’s bodies, (3) high prevalence of social comparison, with subthemes of mother/daughter comparison and peer comparison, and (4) daughters’ awareness of mother’s health behaviors, with subthemes of weight loss and physical activity. Interventions aimed at improving adolescent girls’ health should include support for mothers as well as a psychosocial health and a mother’s educational component.

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