ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the barriers and facilitators to physical activity and sport participation among adolescent girls from Middle Eastern backgrounds. These factors were explored through the perspectives of both adolescent girls and parents of adolescent girls, living in Australia. DESIGN: A qualitative study design was used to understand perceived barriers and facilitators to physical activity and sport in adolescent girls. Participants were 18 adolescent girls and 9 parents of adolescent girls, all of Middle Eastern backgrounds, living in Western Sydney, Australia. Data were collected through five focus groups and four one-on-one interviews, separated for girls and parents. Data were analysed using an inductive approach and thematic analysis. RESULTS: Three main themes (family, social support, religion and culture) and nine subthemes were identified. The main facilitators for physical activity and sport included the values and presence of an active family role model, religion to encourage lifelong physical activity skills, and promotion of physical activity from peers, school, and social media. The predominant barriers to physical activity and sport included established cultural norms and traditional gender roles, which were often influenced by religion and culture, and extended time using technology. CONCLUSION: The findings of the current study show the complex relationships between family, religion, and culture when promoting physical and sport participation. Such factors highlight the need to develop culturally tailored physical activity interventions that consider the perceived barriers and facilitators for adolescent girls' participation from Middle Eastern backgrounds.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: Limited evidence shows culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) children and adolescents are less active, compared to the general population. It is unclear, how physical activity interventions have been adapted for CALD children and adolescents to enhance engagement. This study aimed to review culturally adapted physical activity interventions targeting CALD children and adolescents. METHODS: All studies recruited children and adolescents (i.e., aged ≥5 to <18 years old) from CALD backgrounds, targeted physical activity, and included cultural adaptations. Cultural adaptations were defined as surface structures (i.e., observable characteristics of a targeted population) or deep structures (i.e., rooted in core ethnic values derived from individual cultures. RESULTS: Twenty studies were included. Ten studies used a combination of surface and deep structure adaptations. Of these 10 studies, 3 found a significant between-group difference in physical activity favouring the intervention group. Among studies (n = 6) that used surface structure adaptations (e.g., language adjustments to information sheets, consent forms, and resources), 1 found a significant intervention effect on physical activity. With studies (n = 4) that used deep structure adaptations (e.g., incorporating traditional songs and dances relevant to cultural groups), 1 study found a significant intervention effect on physical activity. CONCLUSION: A small number of studies found significant changes to increase physical activity levels. We found there is a lack of consistent evidence indicating that incorporating surface and/or deep structure adaptations result in significant changes in physical activity. Future research should focus on establishing higher quality methodology when developing culturally adapted interventions for CALD populations.
Subject(s)
Cultural Diversity , Exercise , Humans , Adolescent , Child , Health Promotion/methods , Female , Male , LanguageABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To understand the experiences of informal carers and the impact of role and activity changes on their health and wellbeing. METHODS: A systematic search of CINHAL, MEDLINE, Embase, APA PsycInfo, and Web of Science was conducted. Studies were eligible if they included informal stroke carers (≥18 years), used a qualitative methodology, explored the roles and valued activities of stroke carers, and were published in English. The 10-item Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist for qualitative studies was used to assess methodological quality. The results of the included studies were thematically synthesised. RESULTS: A total of 36 qualitative studies were included and four overarching themes were identified: (1) Life adjustment; (2) Changing role and identity; (3) Changing activities: From meaningful to purposeful; and (4) Understanding and supporting carers. CONCLUSION: The sudden nature of stroke requires major readjustment in the carers life that has implications on their relationships, roles, and activities, subsequently impacting on their health and wellbeing. Health professionals and researchers should collaborate with stroke carers to identify their valued activities and implement realistic strategies to maintain these activities. Future interventions designed for carers should implement education about the importance of participating in valued activities and strategies to maintain these activities.