A Systematic Review on the Prevalence of Physical Activity, and Barriers and Facilitators to Physical Activity, in Informal Carers in the United Kingdom

Abstract

Background: It is estimated that 17% of the UK adult population are informal carers, usually for a family member, with a majority reporting that they are not able to engage in physical activity as much as they would like. The aim of this review is to provide a greater understanding of the prevalence of, and barriers and facilitators to, physical activity of informal carers in the United Kingdom. Methods: A systematic review of relevant databases and grey literature was undertaken, following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidance, from its inception until July 17, 2020. Results: Barriers to physical activity include increasing aging, not wanting to leave the caree alone, the caree being unable to take part in activities, health conditions, fatigue, lack of time, and difficulties in changing the routine for the caree. Facilitators include an appreciation of the benefits of engaging in exercise, previous participation in activities, group activities with similar people, and having some free time. Conclusions: Due to the paucity of research into the prevalence of, and barriers and facilitators to, physical activity in informal carers in the United Kingdom, this systematic review highlights the need for further research, focusing primarily on the physical activity of informal carers caring for individuals with a range of conditions. A further systematic review exploring these issues internationally is warranted.

Study progress, recreational activities, and loneliness in young adult carers: a national student survey

“…YACs reported being less physically active than students without care responsibilities. According to a systematic review on physical activity in informal carers, across age groups, informal carers place their own health needs as secondary to the health of the care-recipient [ 36 ]. Even though the number of studies examining physical activities among informal carers is very scarce, it was concluded that the level of physical activity among informal carers is below what they themselves desire, below governmental guidelines and below what is commonly found in the general population.…”

Barriers and Facilitators of Physical Activity

“…33 It was noted in this study that no known SR had been conducted on studies exploring the current (i.e., during the COVID-19 pandemic) facilitators and barriers to PA among (UK)-based adults. 20,21,28 The recent SRs (2016 till date) on the facilitators and barriers of PA among (UK)-based adults were based on studies that were conducted before the COVID-19 pandemic 20,21,28 ; hence, they may not be up to date with the current challenges in the (UK) The COVID-19 pandemic has brought significant changes to people's lifestyles, including PA. 18,19 This change has modified the facilitators and barriers of PA among (UK)-based adults. 18,19 Hence, there is a need for a SR of current primary studies (conducted from 2020 till date) exploring the facilitators and barriers to PA among (UK)-based adults.…”

“…20,21,28 At the interpersonal level, "having the opportunity for PArelated support and social interaction/participation" was a facilitator reported by all the included SRs. 20,21,28 At the environmental level, no facilitator was commonly reported in all the included SRs. However, only two SRs reported "having a safe environment for PA" as a facilitator to PA. 20,21 Barriers to PA ►Table 6 shows the full list of the synthesized barriers (a thematic area) to PA from the included SRs.…”

“…At the intrapersonal level, "having language difficulties/language barrier," "lack of time," and "having underlying health problems" were the 'barriers' reported by all the included SRs. 20,21,28 At the interpersonal level, no barrier was commonly reported in all the included SRs. However, only two SRs reported "lack/loss of social/external support" and "inadequate support from health care professionals/providers" as barriers to PA. At the environmental level, no barrier was commonly reported in all the included SRs.…”

“…18,19 Over the last decades, several studies, including systematic reviews (SRs), had been conducted on PA among several (UK) population groups-including the black, Asian, and ethnic minorities (BAME) groups. [20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28] However, no known study has investigated the SRs conducted on the barriers and facilitators of PA among adults in the (UK) till date. A comprehensive evaluation of recent (2016-2021) SRs on the facilitators and barriers to PA among adults in the (UK) will help to collate and pinpoint current and credible evidence on the current challenges associated with PA among (UK) adults.…”