An exploration of physical activity, migrant women and leisure experiences

Physical activity and sedentary behaviour among south Asian immigrants in Australia

“…Research suggests that a lack of cultural focus on PA from childhood may impact the development of PA habits, long-term behaviours, and skills. 18,31 Some of the other barriers reported in our study (eg, costs, lack of childcare, and weak intention) were similar to barriers reported by other ethnic groups in Australia. 32,39,55 There is a need for targeted and culturally appropriate public health strategies that can overcome the barriers PA immigrants face in Australia.…”

“…These findings are similar to other studies involving South Asians in Australia and the UK 13,52,53 where lack of time due to work demands, family responsibilities, and lack of extended family support were identified as the main factors contributing to insufficient PA. 13,15 In other studies, the primary caregiving roles and domestic T A B L E 2 Factors associated with insufficient physical activity. duties of South Asian women were identified as factors limiting participation in PA. 18 This is mainly attributed to the cultural expectations of women to undertake the bulk of domestic duties. 22 Similar to the findings in the present study, previous research also indicates that many South Asian women are unable to use their local leisure centre because of a lack of women-only facilities or activity sessions.…”

“…15 In Western countries, spaces, where South Asian immigrants can engage in PA, are restricted by gender interactions and clothing defined by cultural and religious expectations. [15][16][17][18] Leisure time PA is also severely hindered by work demands and cultural expectations of spending time with family rather than participating in leisure time PA. 18,19 South Asian women also report less opportunities to participate in PA activities due to gender and cultural expectations to remain at home. 20,21 Studies also report that cultural norms strongly influence interpretations of different PAs among South Asian immigrants.…”

“…20,21 Studies also report that cultural norms strongly influence interpretations of different PAs among South Asian immigrants. [15][16][17][18] For example, housework and taking care of children are considered major PA for South Asian immigrants. 18 Other barriers preventing immigrant participation in PA have been identified as a lack of conveniently located spaces, social support, self-efficacy, access to affordable PA options, and a perception of not having enough time to take part in PA. 18,19 Another barrier preventing South Asian immigrants from participating in PA in high-income countries may be a lack of intention.…”

“…[15][16][17][18] For example, housework and taking care of children are considered major PA for South Asian immigrants. 18 Other barriers preventing immigrant participation in PA have been identified as a lack of conveniently located spaces, social support, self-efficacy, access to affordable PA options, and a perception of not having enough time to take part in PA. 18,19 Another barrier preventing South Asian immigrants from participating in PA in high-income countries may be a lack of intention. 21,22 This could be due to work responsibilities limiting free time, social isolation in a new country, 15 or South Asian families prioritising education over exercise, influencing PA behaviours in successive generations.…”