OBJECTIVE: Several studies have reported low levels of physical activity among immigrant women. However, few studies have attempted to explore possible causes underlying this phenomenon. This study intended to explore immigrant women's attitudes and experiences of physical activity and exercise. The ultimate goal was to find methods that can increase levels of physical activity among immigrant women. METHODS: A qualitative exploratory study was undertaken in Stockholm County, Sweden, involving 63 immigrant women from Chile, Iraq, and Turkey. Data were collected through interviews in 10 focus groups. The analysis was based on grounded theory approaches. Constant comparative analysis and theoretical sampling were employed to construct categories. MAIN FINDINGS: The model that emerged illustrated the core process, that is, enabling exercise. The model also described the women's attitudes and experiences and their ideas of how exercise can be made possible. The women agreed that the local community should recognize the problem and arrange exercise in familiar places. In addition, they called for activities that felt appropriate. If appropriate exercise was arranged, the women sometimes decided to participate. Otherwise, they hesitated or waited. CONCLUSION: If appropriate activities are arranged, levels of physical activity and exercise might increase among immigrant women. Future studies could explore specific activities that can facilitate immigrant women's opportunities to exercise.
OBJECTIVE: Several studies have reported low levels of physical activity among immigrant women. However, few studies have attempted to explore possible causes underlying this phenomenon. This study intended to explore immigrant women's attitudes and experiences of physical activity and exercise. The ultimate goal was to find methods that can increase levels of physical activity among immigrant women. METHODS: A qualitative exploratory study was undertaken in Stockholm County, Sweden, involving 63 immigrant women from Chile, Iraq, and Turkey. Data were collected through interviews in 10 focus groups. The analysis was based on grounded theory approaches. Constant comparative analysis and theoretical sampling were employed to construct categories. MAIN FINDINGS: The model that emerged illustrated the core process, that is, enabling exercise. The model also described the women's attitudes and experiences and their ideas of how exercise can be made possible. The women agreed that the local community should recognize the problem and arrange exercise in familiar places. In addition, they called for activities that felt appropriate. If appropriate exercise was arranged, the women sometimes decided to participate. Otherwise, they hesitated or waited. CONCLUSION: If appropriate activities are arranged, levels of physical activity and exercise might increase among immigrant women. Future studies could explore specific activities that can facilitate immigrant women's opportunities to exercise.
Authors: Mark L Wieland; Jennifer A Weis; Tiffany Palmer; Miriam Goodson; Sheena Loth; Fatuma Omer; Adeline Abbenyi; Karen Krucker; Kim Edens; Irene G Sia Journal: Womens Health Issues Date: 2011-12-11
Authors: Rathi Ramji; Elisabeth Carlson; Anders Kottorp; Sergey Shleev; Eman Awad; Margareta Rämgård Journal: BMC Public Health Date: 2020-01-28 Impact factor: 3.295
Authors: Michelle Holdsworth; Mary Nicolaou; Lars Jørun Langøien; Hibbah Araba Osei-Kwasi; Sebastien F M Chastin; F Marijn Stok; Laura Capranica; Nanna Lien; Laura Terragni; Pablo Monsivais; Mario Mazzocchi; Lea Maes; Gun Roos; Caroline Mejean; Katie Powell; Karien Stronks Journal: Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act Date: 2017-11-07 Impact factor: 6.457