Perspectives on Physical Activity Among Immigrants

Authors: Mark L Wieland Kristina Tiedje Sonja J Meiers Ahmed A Mohamed Christine M Formea Jennifer L Ridgeway Gladys B Asiedu Ginny Boyum Jennifer A Weis Julie A Nigon Christi A Patten Irene G Sia

Publish Date: 2013/09/20

Volume: 17, Issue: 1, Pages: 263-275

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Abstract

Immigrants and refugees to the United States exhibit relatively low levels of physical activity but reasons for this disparity are poorly understood 16 gender and agestratified focus groups were conducted among 127 participants from heterogenous immigrant and refugee groups Cambodian Mexican Somali Sudanese in a small Minnesota urban community We found many similarities in perceived barriers and facilitators to physical activity between heterogeneous immigrant and refugee groups While the benefits of physical activity were widely acknowledged lack of familiarity and comfort with taking the first steps towards being physically active were the most significant barriers to physical activity Participants described being motivated by social support from family friends and communities to be physically active Our findings suggest that shared experiences of immigration and associated social economic and linguistic factors influence how physical activity is understood conceptualized and practicedThe authors would like to thank all RHCP partners who contributed to the organization implementation and dissemination of this work especially Tiffany Palmer Miriam Goodson John Lasuba Sam Ouk Sheena Loth Kim Sin Jennifer Lopez and Fatuma Omer This publication was supported by NIH Grant No R01 HL 111407 from the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute and by CTSA Grant No UL1 TR000135 from the National Center for Advancing Translational Science NCATS Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the NIH

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