“Going to the Gym Is Not Congolese’s Culture”: Examining Attitudes Toward Physical Activity and Risk for Type 2 Diabetes Among Congolese Immigrants

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this study was to explore perceptions and attitudes around physical activity among immigrants from the Democratic Republic of Congo and examine the influence of Congolese cultural beliefs on physical activity practice. Methods In-depth interviews were conducted and augmented by photo-elicitation among 20 Congolese immigrants, distributed equally by gender, aged 35 years or older. The PEN-3 model was used as the cultural conceptual framework. Results Using both the Relationships and Expectations dimension (Perceptions, Enablers, and Nurturers) and Cultural Empowerment dimension (Positive, Existential, and Negative) of the PEN-3 model, emergent themes were categorized around knowing the benefits of being physically active (perceptions), doctor encouragement to be more physically active (enablers), and the habit and local tradition of consuming beer after a soccer match (nurturers). Other emergent themes included Congolese loves to dance (positive), going to the gym is not Congolese culture (existential), and the challenge of increased physical activity (negative). Conclusions Congolese have their intrinsic cultural perceptions and attitudes around types of physical activity. The study disclosed a much more pronounced willingness to dance (as a potential source of increased physical activity) than to go to a gym. As such, if one wants to advocate a regimen of increased physical activity to offset the risk for type 2 diabetes, dance is an alternative to consider among some immigrants.

Maintaining cultural identity: A systematic mixed studies review of cultural influences on the self‐care of African immigrants living with non‐communicable disease

“…Our findings indicate that the immediate family and the African immigrant community play an important role facilitating medication adherence, participation in physical activity and dietary adherence, consistent with previous studies of aspects of self‐care among African immigrants (Ilunga Tshiswaka et al, 2018; Mohamed et al, 2014). African immigrants are members of a collectivist, interdependent community with intrinsically strong social support.…”

Physical Activity Levels and Perceived Changes in the Context of Intra-EEA Migration: A Study on Italian Immigrants in Norway

“…Indeed (in line with previous studies on both the Italian [28] and the Norwegian population [14]), the findings of the present study indicate that individuals' preferences for specific activities vary across different age groups. This information is precious, as previous studies have emphasized the importance of proposing PA initiatives tailored on specific groups of immigrants based on their preferences and cultural affinity ( 43 ). In the present study, the prevalence of perceiving a negative impact increased with increasing age, thought a matching pattern was not observed in relation to PA levels, which may suggest a deterioration of the PA habits with respect to subjective standards.…”

A survey on the enablers and nurturers of physical activity in women with prediabetes

“…[ 19 ] Participants pointed out the hot and polluted weather and long distance between the exercise places, gyms, and home as barriers to physical activity. In this regard, the studies by Ilunga Tshiwaka,[ 20 ] Casy,[ 21 ] Motameni,[ 22 ] and Pourranjbar et al . [ 23 ] verified the findings of the present study.…”