A qualitative study of influences on long‐term physical activity in physically active African American women

Hubbell, Annette Moore; Hardy, Elaine; Astroth, Kim Schafer; Jenkins, Sheryl; Woith, Wendy M.; Mallory, Caroline

doi:10.1111/nuf.12420

Cited by 4 publications

(11 citation statements)

References 20 publications

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“…Some women discussed including their family in their physical activity to help with accountability. “It, it helps me because, like I said, a lot of times when I get off work… I don’t feel like doing anything… so what they [family] have done for me recently is … [they] still hold me accountable; ‘let’s go walk outside’ or… if we’re going to the mall, ‘let’s just take two laps,’ even though we’re going to the mall for something else .” 37 Others utilize their family and want to remain involved as a motivator for physical activity. “For me, I think it comes to normalcy, I guess.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Barriers and facilitators to physical activity among Black women: a qualitative systematic review and thematic synthesis

Howard,

Bartholomew

2024

Preprint

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American Black women are less physically active than other American women. While several qualitative studies have investigated this issue, there has been no effort to synthesize this literature. Purpose: This study aimed to utilize qualitative thematic synthesis to employ an intersectionality framework in synthesizing existing published qualitative studies on barriers to and facilitators of physical activity for Black women and reflect constructs related to (a) all American women, (b) Black Americans, and (c) Black women. This qualitative thematic synthesis included 18 studies published from 2011 to the present. Studies were coded for quality and then reviewed with their themes identified and inductively integrated across the studies. The resulting themes were then deductively placed within a broader structure of an intersectionality framework. Reflecting this framework, three categories were identified: (1) general experience of physical activity for women, regardless of race, with themes of (a) motivation, (b) structured support, (c) overall health, (d) environment; (2) general experiences of physical activity for Black Americans, with a sub-theme of (a) low access; and (3) specific, intersectional experiences of physical activity for Black women, with sub-themes of (a) black hair, and (b) body ideal. Our synthesis of the existing qualitative research revealed that Black women experience PA related to being a woman, to being Black, and to the intersectional nature of being a Black woman. Interventions might target these intersectional themes to tailor interventions to support PA in Black women.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…I want to be able to take care of myself for a long time (laughs)." 37 Other participants emphasize the importance of physical activity to live a long healthy life. "For me, the motivating factor is I want to live.…”

Section: "[Be]cause We All Do Very Different Kinds Of Physical Activi...mentioning

confidence: 99%

Barriers and facilitators to physical activity among Black women: a qualitative systematic review and thematic synthesis

Howard,

Bartholomew

2024

Preprint

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“…These findings are similar to other studies that have reported a range of social support from friends. 8,12,13,22,30 Sallis et al, (1987) reported that support for exercise from friends in the form of 'exercising together' was important among active individuals as well as those desiring to become more active. 12 Furthermore, Johnson et al, (2014) also found that rural Black women participating in weight loss trial reported that friends provided support by joining in exercise with participants even if it required altering their schedule.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Lastly, Hubbell et al, (2020) reported only positive support from friends suggesting a shift in social norms for PA among Black women. 30 Across categories of PA engagement, it appeared that 'people' was the most important factor for Black women engaging in PA long-term. The roles of 'people' ranged from a PA partner to those providing instruction and were similar to the four companionship roles that emerged from focus groups with active Black women.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Social Environments and Physical Activity Among Active Black Women

et al. 2022

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Purpose To explore the social context of physical activity (PA) among active Black women, we examine the patterns of PA engagement and the benefits of social support in PA maintenance. Design A cross-sectional study design and descriptive phenomenological approach were used to examine social support and lived experiences of active Black women. Setting The study setting was an online survey of active Black women, ages 21 to 71 years who were recruited from across the United States. Participants This secondary data analysis was conducted among a sample of 187 active Black women who maintained PA for ≥6 months. The mean age was 41 ± 12.3 years, 83.4% completed some college, 37.7% were married, and 30.0% had children. Measures Participants self-reported ‘with whom’ they engaged in PA and provided qualitative responses about their strategies for PA maintenance. Descriptive statistics were used to examine between-group differences among demographic characteristics and PA variables by category of PA engagement using SAS 9.4. Descriptive phenomenology was used to explore social support themes across and within categories of PA engagement. Results On average, the active Black women in this study reported engaging in 57.0 ± 18.9 minutes of moderate intensity leisure-time PA per session. Most engaged in PA alone (n = 87), with a group (n = 72), or with another individual (n = 28). Social context themes within categories included: alone – self-management, groups - motivation and accountability, family – values health, and friends – shared interests in PA. Subthemes across social context categories included: who? - people, what and how? - types of social support, and where? – place of social support. Conclusions Our findings suggest that some Black women may need added social support from others beyond family and friends, while other Black women may prefer additional self-management skills. Nonetheless, this study provides data for developing hypotheses about the mechanisms by which social context may facilitate PA maintenance among Black women. Therefore, intervention studies targeting PA maintenance among Black women should include an in-depth query of social support needs.

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Understanding Adult’s Experiences and Perceptions of How to Maintain Physical Activity: A Systematic Review and Qualitative Synthesis

Madigan,

Grimmett,

Sweet

et al. 2024

Int.J. Behav. Med.

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Background Many adults do not meet physical activity recommendations for optimal health, and this is often because people find it difficult to maintain physical activity in the long term. This study focuses on identifying and synthesising factors that may influence the maintenance of physical activity in adults with and without known health conditions. Method A systematic review and qualitative synthesis using thematic analysis was conducted. Four databases (MEDLINE, SPORT Discus, APA, and Web of Science) were systematically searched for studies published from inception to February 2023 that included qualitative data about people’s experiences of maintaining physical activity. Results A total of 9337 abstracts were screened and 68 studies from 14 countries were included. Six main themes were identified: (1) influence of others (e.g. four forms of social support, accountability); (2) contextual and environmental influences (e.g. cost and access of physical activity, weather); (3) health-related influences (e.g. reflexivity about how physical activity improves health conditions, weight control); (4) making it work (e.g. flexibility, prioritising exercise); (5) habits; and (6) psychological processes (e.g. enjoyment, identifying as a physically active person). Conclusion People who maintained their participation in physical activity found it enjoyable, prioritised it, and integrated it into their daily routine. Participants were motivated to continue being physically active when they realised the benefits for their health. Social support, in particular companion support, was a key component facilitating continued engagement. Findings specific to maintenance of physical activity included reflexivity of how physical activity benefited health, flexibility, and identifying as a physically active person.

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A qualitative study of influences on long‐term physical activity in physically active African American women

Cited by 4 publications

References 20 publications

Barriers and facilitators to physical activity among Black women: a qualitative systematic review and thematic synthesis

Barriers and facilitators to physical activity among Black women: a qualitative systematic review and thematic synthesis

Social Environments and Physical Activity Among Active Black Women

Understanding Adult’s Experiences and Perceptions of How to Maintain Physical Activity: A Systematic Review and Qualitative Synthesis

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