Perceived barriers and incentives to increased physical activity for Pacific mothers in New Zealand: findings from the Pacific Islands Families Study

Abstract

Objective: To describe and compare Pacific and non‐Pacific mothers’ perceived barriers and incentives to physical activity (PA) in New Zealand, and compare perceptions between Pacific mothers. Methods: Three samples were utilised: (i) mothers with children aged 5–15 years living at home from a nationally representative cross‐sectional postal survey of adults conducted in 2003 (n=1,070 including 62 Pacific mothers); (ii) a cohort of Pacific mothers with children born in 2000, and interviewed 6‐years postpartum (n=934); and (iii) a nested cross‐sectional sub‐study of (ii) conducted at the 6‐years measurement wave (n=240). Participants in samples (i) and (ii) responded to identical questions on perceived barriers (23 items) and incentives (13 items) to PA. Body mass index (BMI) and accelerometer quantified PA was measured in (iii). Results: All barriers but one were significantly more influential for non‐Pacific mothers than Pacific mothers and all incentives but one were significantly more likely to succeed for non‐Pacific mothers. Pacific mothers’ perceptions of barriers and incentives to PA were similar between BMI and accelerometer quantified groupings. Conclusions and implications: Pacific mothers appear not to see PA as an issue of importance. Culturally appropriate approaches aimed at improving PA and health is needed to engage Pacific mothers in New Zealand.

Ethnic‐specific suggestions for physical activity based on existing recreational physical activity preferences of New Zealand women

“…16,51 Pacific mothers in the current study were less active than Pacific women without children, supporting evidence for social support and child-care as incentives for physical activity participation among Pacific mothers. 16 Community and family group activities would likely enable other adults and older children to mind younger children and play traditional or skill-based games, allowing mothers time to exercise. Mothers' behaviour might also normalise exercise among children, guiding them into a physically active lifestyle.…”

“…Successful implementation of physical activity initiatives rely on consideration of cultural and family ties, customs and social acceptance 14 . Pacific adults are more likely than non‐Pacific to put others ahead of their own physical activity participation; 50 and the vital role of women in the family is often prioritised ahead of women's own health and wellbeing 16,51 . Pacific mothers in the current study were less active than Pacific women without children, supporting evidence for social support and child‐care as incentives for physical activity participation among Pacific mothers 16 .…”

“…Pacific adults are more likely than non‐Pacific to put others ahead of their own physical activity participation; 50 and the vital role of women in the family is often prioritised ahead of women's own health and wellbeing 16,51 . Pacific mothers in the current study were less active than Pacific women without children, supporting evidence for social support and child‐care as incentives for physical activity participation among Pacific mothers 16 . Community and family group activities would likely enable other adults and older children to mind younger children and play traditional or skill‐based games, allowing mothers time to exercise.…”

“…15 Time constraints and financial burden are common barriers to physical activity participation among New Zealand adults 16 ; however, childcare responsibilities and social support pose particular barriers for women. 16,17 Parenthood, and in particular motherhood, is associated with reduced recreational physical activity in many countries, 17,18 and likely also in New Zealand. Therefore, providing strategies to overcome some of these barriers might encourage greater physical activity participation among some women, especially if focused on particular groups of women, such as young mothers and those who are overweight.…”

“…Currently, only 48% of New Zealand adults are sufficiently active to meet the national guidelines; 15 women are less active (45%) and more inactive (18%) than men (51% and 13%, respectively) 15 . Time constraints and financial burden are common barriers to physical activity participation among New Zealand adults 16 ; however, childcare responsibilities and social support pose particular barriers for women 16,17 . Parenthood, and in particular motherhood, is associated with reduced recreational physical activity in many countries, 17,18 and likely also in New Zealand.…”