Benefits and barriers to physical activity among African women: A systematic review

Obi, Ogechi Christiana; Nnonyelu, Augustine Chibuikem; Onobrakpeya, Avwerosuoghene; Ogundele, Olajumoke Joy

doi:10.1016/j.smhs.2022.12.001

Cited by 8 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 65 publications

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“…For example, only one study mentions weight loss or body size as a motivator for physical activity 33 which is in direct opposition to the majority of work on White women. Previous reviews have also shown body image perception, hair care concerns, and family responsibilities 28 as a benefit and barrier to physical activity. Additionally, Barnett & Praetorius (2015) applied a cultural lens and identified race-related barriers.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Two articles were specifically focused on the challenges of Black hair 42,43 and were the only studies to report on these themes – despite these themes being supported in other reviews. 28,29 Another 45 began with questions informed by Black Feminist Theory, which offers a critical lens to analyze and challenge the interconnected systems of racism, sexism, and other forms of oppression. 53 This resulted in a unique set of themes centered on body ideals.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…A recent narrative review by Obi et al (2023) tried to understand physical activity and African women. Their findings identified significant barriers to physical activity such as body image perception, hair care concerns, gender norms, fear of sexual stereotypes, and family responsibilities that limit their involvement in physical activity.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

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: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

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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“…Ideas about exercising among middle-class Black women may also reflect the intersection of race, class, and gender beliefs about exercising and the types of exercising Black women within the United States should and should not engage in. Although previous research has highlighted barriers to middle-class Black women’s physical wellness practices, such as time allocation, racial composition of neighbourhoods, and body image (Ray, 2014 ), a recent systematic review have found that when Black women have engaged in physical activities they were more confident in their body and their overall well-being improved (Obi et al, 2023 ). Our findings highlight the need for wellness interventions to specifically address the intersectional identities among middle-class Black women and the need for understanding both the privileges and oppressions they experience with being well.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Within the same time span, several studies have focused on mental wellness among Black women, specifically as it relates to depression (Donovan & West, 2015 ; Nicolaidis et al, 2013 ; Waite & Killian, 2008 ) or coping with stressors (Jones, 2004 ; Jones et al, 2014 ; Woods-Giscombé & Black, 2010 ). Although these areas of research have highlighted health disparities Black women face, there is a notable gap in the knowledge base of a multidimensional wellness model for Black women that moves beyond physical or mental health and socioeconomic status (Howell, 2023 ; Obi et al, 2023 ).…”

Section: Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

Mind, body, and spirit: a constructivist grounded theory study of wellness among middle-class Black women

Walton,

Coats,

Skrine Jeffers

et al. 2023

International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well

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Previous studies show that Black women in the United States experience disproportionately poorer health outcomes compared to women of other racial/ethnic groups. Recently the focus is on improving the health of Black women in the United States. However, there is little empirical evidence on what Black women need to improve their health to be well. The goal of this constructivist grounded theory was to increase the understanding of wellness among middle-class Black women ( N = 30) in a large Midwestern city in the United States through an intersectional lens. The findings show that the connection and balance between mind, body, and spirit was the core experience of wellness among middle-class Black women. Mind, body, and spirit was described in three ways—(a) mentally managing, (b) physically caring for my body, and (c) connecting spiritually—with the women also noting the barriers and facilitators they endured to be well. Each of these categories highlight the tension middle-class Black women experience with trying to be well. Implications for future practice and research with middle-class Black women are discussed.

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Social and Religious Networks with Respect to the Health Behaviors of African American Women: A Systematic Review

Derboghossian,

Foust,

Hayman

2024

J Relig Health

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Benefits and barriers to physical activity among African women: A systematic review

Cited by 8 publications

References 65 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

Mind, body, and spirit: a constructivist grounded theory study of wellness among middle-class Black women

Social and Religious Networks with Respect to the Health Behaviors of African American Women: A Systematic Review

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