Environmental, Policy, and Cultural Factors Related to Physical Activity in Sedentary American Indian Women

Abstract

Focus group interviews were conducted to explore sociocultural, environmental, and policy-related determinants of physical activity among sedentary American Indian women. Thirty women aged 20 to 50 years (mean = 37.4 +/- 10.6 years) participated. Three sessions were conducted with women aged 20 to 34 years and three with women aged 35 to 50 to evaluate response differences by age. Because no obvious age differences were observed, data were pooled. Barriers to physical activity included inadequate support for household and child care responsibilities and difficulties balancing home-related and societal expectations with physical activity. In addition, women reported little support from their communities and work sites to be physically active. Environmental barriers included lack of safe outdoor areas and accessible walking trails. Weather and stray dogs were also commonly mentioned. Sociocultural barriers included giving family obligations priority above all other things, being expected to eat large portions of high-fat foods, and failing to follow a traditionally active lifestyle. Enablers of physical activity included support from family and coworkers and participation in traditional community events. Suggested intervention approaches included accessible and affordable programs and facilities, community emphasis on physical activity, and programs that incorporated the needs of larger women and of families. Participants emphasized a preference for programs that were compatible with the role expectations of their families and communities, and they expressed the desire for acceptance and encouragement to be physically active from the family, the community, the worksite, and their tribal leaders.

Social Cognitive Factors Associated With Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity In Perimenopausal and Postmenopausal Women

“…each of the barriers noted by King et al (2000) and Thompson et al (2002), such barrier were like s ly to be associated with physical activity in this study. Therefore, it was expected that higher levels of self-effic me these barriers might explain a n of the variance in physical activity.…”

“…Additionally, the menopausal transition may make physical activity participation even more difficult. Potential issues range from physical and emotional menopausal symptoms that have the potential to undermine physical activity, to low perceived social support for physical activity and poor perceived access to physical activity opportunities (Bosworth et al, 2001;Brown et al, 2003;Elavsky & McAuley, 2005;Eventson, Sarmiento, Macon, Tawney, & Ammerman, 2002;King et al, 2000;Thompson et al, 2002;Wing, Matthews, Kuller, Meilahn, & Platinga, 1995). For those already at risk for OP due to decreasing estrogen levels, inadequate physical activity associated with personal and perceived environmental issues increases the likelihood of progressive bone loss and development of the disease.…”

“…As discussed earlier, peri-and postmenopausal women face multi-faceted personal and environmental factors that have the potential to influence physical activity (Elavskey & McAuley, 2005;Evanston, 2002;Thompson, 2002;WHO, 2009). …”

“…In addition, applying a multi-dimensional perspective to peri-and postmenopausal women might reflect the ways in which physical activity is influenced by the complex personal, social, and environmental issues facing these women (Elavskey & McAuley, 2005;Evantson, 2002;Thompson, 2002;WHO, 2009). For instance, personal changes that take place during menopausal transition may make physical activity participation especially difficult (Wing, Matthews, Kuller, Meilahn, & Platinga, 1995).…”

“…barriers). Significant barriers that have been reported in qualitative studies included lac of time, care giving duties, and fatigue Thompson et al, 2002).…”