Physical Activity in South Asians: An In-Depth Qualitative Study to Explore Motivations and Facilitators

Abstract

BackgroundPeople of South Asian backgrounds living in the UK have a five-fold increased risk of diabetes and a two-fold increased risk of heart disease when compared to the general population. Physical activity can reduce the risk of premature death from a range of conditions. The aim of the study was to explore the motivating and facilitating factors likely to increase physical activity for South Asian adults and their families, in order to develop successful interventions and services.Methodology/Principal FindingsThis was a qualitative study using focus groups and in-depth interviews. Participants were 59 purposively selected Bangladeshi-, Indian- and Pakistani-origin men and women with an additional 10 key informants. The setting was three urban areas of Scotland: Aberdeen, Glasgow and Edinburgh. We undertook a theoretically informed thematic analysis of data. Study participants described engaging in a range of physical activities, particularly football and the gym for men, and walking and swimming for women. The main motivators for taking part in physical activity were external motivators – i.e. undertaking physical activity as a means to an end, which included the opportunities that physical activity provided for social activity and enjoyment. The goals of weight reduction and improving mental and physical health and were also mentioned. Role models were seen as important to inspire and motivate people to undertake activities that they may otherwise lack confidence in. Few people undertook physical activity for its own sake (intrinsic motivation).Conclusions/SignificanceAttempts at promoting physical activity in people of South Asian origin need to take account of the social context of people's lives and the external motivators that encourage them to engage in physical activity. Undertaking group based physical activity is important and can be facilitated through religious, community, friendship or family networks. Role models may also prove particularly helpful.

Physical Activity in First Generation South Asian Women Living in Canada: Barriers and Facilitators to Participation

“…Dancing is one activity that women repeatedly mentioned as enjoyable and that they would dance in groups at cultural centres or individually in homes by putting on music (Eyler et al, 1998). Jepson et al (2012) found South Asian women in all focus groups mentioned activities such as exercise classes, going to the gym, and being a part of team sports such as netball as current activities they were participating it. Two activities that were often brought up that the women engaged in or would like to were swimming and walking.…”

“…Studies conducted in the UK by Jepson et al (2012) and Sriskantharajah and Kai (2007) found these women express similar benefits of PA including social support (Jepson et al, 2012;Sriskantharajah & Kai, 2007), weight loss (Jepson et al, 2012;Sriskantharajah & Kai, 2007) and increased self-esteem (Jepson et al, 2012). The women in Jepson et al (2012) study mentioned social opportunities that PA provided as the most important benefit whereas women in Sriskantharajah and Kai (2007) said maintenance of their weight was most important because they felt body image and physical appearance was constantly spoken about in society. The main benefit for South Asian women over 60 years of age was increased mobility and independence (Sriskantharajah & Kai, 2007).…”

“…Their origins trace back to countries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Bhutan (Jepson et al, 2012;Kurian, 1991;Vahabi, Beanlands, Sidani, & Fredericks, 2012). Several studies have explored the experiences of South Asian women in regards to settlement, service providers and overall health.…”

A formative review of physical activity interventions for minority ethnic populations in England

“…South Asian populations and Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi women and children in particular are significantly less likely to meet the UK PA guidelines than the White British group (2,5). Barriers, enablers and facilitators to PA for BME groups have been explored, especially in relation to South Asian populations (6,7). Research suggests BME groups face generally similar barriers to the UK population as a whole with limitations such as childcare, motivation and lack of time predominating (7).…”

“…Barriers, enablers and facilitators to PA for BME groups have been explored, especially in relation to South Asian populations (6,7). Research suggests BME groups face generally similar barriers to the UK population as a whole with limitations such as childcare, motivation and lack of time predominating (7). Additional, and potentially more subtle, barriers relate to differences in perceptions about the benefits of PA, what counts as PA, community expectations about participation, and deeper socio-cultural processes of exclusion and discrimination (8).…”