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Barriers and Facilitators of Physical Activity in Children of a South Asian Ethnicity

Author

Listed:
  • Lee Smith

    (Cambridge Centre for Sport and Exercise Science, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge CB1 1PT, UK)

  • Guillermo Felipe López Sánchez

    (Faculty of Sports Sciences, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain)

  • Arturo Díaz Suárez

    (Faculty of Sports Sciences, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain)

  • Brendon Stubbs

    (Faculty of Health, Social Care and Education, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge CB1 1PT, UK)

  • Mathew Dowling

    (Cambridge Centre for Sport and Exercise Science, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge CB1 1PT, UK)

  • Adrian Scruton

    (Cambridge Centre for Sport and Exercise Science, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge CB1 1PT, UK)

  • Justin Roberts

    (Cambridge Centre for Sport and Exercise Science, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge CB1 1PT, UK)

  • James Johnstone

    (Cambridge Centre for Sport and Exercise Science, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge CB1 1PT, UK)

  • Shahina Pardhan

    (Vision and Eye Research Unit, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge CB1 1PT, UK)

Abstract

Children of South Asian ethnicity residing in England have low levels of physical activity. Limited literature exists on correlates, barriers, and facilitators to activity in South Asian children. The aim of this study was to fill this gap in the literature. Interviews were conducted with 10 parents of South Asian ethnicity residing in the UK. Interviews covered a description of the family setup, participants’ opinions of physical activity including barriers and facilitators and their children’s participation, as well as approaches to general parenting, and how children spend their free time. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Key themes identified included (i) restraints on parents’ and children’s time to be physically active; (ii) the role of the family in children’s physical activity participation; (iii) situational barriers to physical activity; (iv) physical activity not a priority; (v) opportunities to be active; and (vi) perception of activity level and health. A number of key barriers to South Asian children’s participation in physical activity were identified, including (i) restraints on parents and children’s time; (ii) parents providing limited support for physical activity; and (iii) physical activity having a low priority. A number of facilitators were also identified (i) play; (ii) school-time; and (iii) extra-curricular clubs. In this sample of South Asian parents residing in the UK several socio-cultural barriers and facilitators of their children’s physical activity have been identified. The study provides preliminary data for a larger study to ascertain if such barriers and facilitators are representative of the wider South Asian community, so that recommendations for intervention and policies can be made.

Suggested Citation

  • Lee Smith & Guillermo Felipe López Sánchez & Arturo Díaz Suárez & Brendon Stubbs & Mathew Dowling & Adrian Scruton & Justin Roberts & James Johnstone & Shahina Pardhan, 2018. "Barriers and Facilitators of Physical Activity in Children of a South Asian Ethnicity," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(3), pages 1-9, March.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:10:y:2018:i:3:p:761-:d:135593
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Farley, T.A. & Meriwether, R.A. & Baker, E.T. & Watkins, L.T. & Johnson, C.C. & Webber, L.S., 2007. "Safe play spaces to promote physical activity in inner-city children: Results from a pilot study of an environmental intervention," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 97(9), pages 1625-1631.
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    Cited by:

    1. Iago Portela-Pino & Myriam Alvariñas-Villaverde & Margarita Pino-Juste, 2021. "Environmental Barriers as a Determining Factor of Physical Activity," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(6), pages 1-12, March.
    2. Damir Sekulic & Mateo Blazevic & Barbara Gilic & Ivan Kvesic & Natasa Zenic, 2020. "Prospective Analysis of Levels and Correlates of Physical Activity during COVID-19 Pandemic and Imposed Rules of Social Distancing; Gender Specific Study among Adolescents from Southern Croatia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(10), pages 1-13, May.
    3. Elena-Simona Indreica & Georgian Badicu & Hadi Nobari, 2022. "Exploring the Correlation between Time Management, the Mediterranean Diet, and Physical Activity: A Comparative Study between Spanish and Romanian University Students," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(5), pages 1-16, February.
    4. Raquel Pérez-Ordás & Mónica Aznar Cebamanos & Román Nuviala & Alberto Nuviala, 2019. "Evaluation of Extracurricular Sports Activities as an Educational Element for Sustainable Development in Educational Institutions," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(12), pages 1-13, June.
    5. María Del Milagro Aymerich & Gonzalo Musitu & Francisco Palmero, 2018. "Family Socialisation Styles and Hostility in the Adolescent Population," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(9), pages 1-12, August.

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