Environmental, Policy, and Cultural Factors Related to Physical Activity in Well-Educated Urban African American Women

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative study was to identify environmental, policy, and cultural predictors of physical activity in urban African American women living in Baltimore, MD. Thirty-nine mostly well-educated women participated in eight focus group discussions, five for women aged 36 to 50 years and three for women 20 to 35 years of age. Transcripts were analyzed using QSR NUD*IST qualitative software, and themes were identified. The discussions identified numerous opportunities and barriers for physical activity. The women reported being aware of physical activity resources and facilities available to them, but they lacked time and motivation to participate. Family responsibilities and duties unique to African American women were cited often. The results suggest that providing more environmental facilities may not be sufficient to increase physical activity in well-educated urban African American women. Intervention strategies that place value on family and cultural responsibilities should be considered.

Menopause, Rurality, And Obesity in Rural African American Women

“…Furthermore, younger rather than older AAW, and those with higher education and income levels reported increased participation in PA for weight control and vanity rather than to avoid ill-health (Eyler, et al, 2003;Young, He, Harris, & Mabry, 2002) Cultural factors are reported to hinder obesity-related intervention among AAs.…”

“…However, AAW did report increased motivation for PA when they exercised with a friend or in groups (Young et al, 2002). The latter was highly favored in women who attended religious establishments; some reported that praying and spiritual guidance were important for weight loss, and health-related activities were important for sustaining their weight (Davis et al, 2005a).…”

“…The latter was highly favored in women who attended religious establishments; some reported that praying and spiritual guidance were important for weight loss, and health-related activities were important for sustaining their weight (Davis et al, 2005a). Young et al (2002) suggested that AAW are becoming more active because of reasons related to health and vanity. But the level of PA in AAW is still below CDC recommendations (Eyler et al 2002a;2002b); Kumanyika (2002) posits sociocultural barriers pertaining to attitudes and perceptions, and lack of PA models are factors influencing obese AAW's limited success at weight loss.…”

“…depression, and physiological wellbeing) status and influence health (i.e. BMI and obesity-related chronic health conditions) outcomes, which impact their morbidity levels (Kim et al, 2009;Young et al, 2002). Social pressures resulting from life style (i.e.…”

“…Findings in a number of studies support (a) more overcrowding in homes/facilities, (b) more PA facilities but not enough affordable access to these facilities, (c) insufficient, and poor quality educational and health programs, (d) poor quality foods, (e) unsafe public transportation, and (d) lack of health care access and open spaces for PA as factors influencing increased obesity levels in AAW (Dis, 2002;Davis et al, 2005a;Eyler et al, 2002a;Richter et al, 2002). Thus, the lack of access to affordable physical activity programs, inadequate time to participate in programs, and lack of familial encouragement and support are sociocultural factors related to increased obesity among urban AAW (Eyler et al, 2002a;Young et al, 2002).…”