An exploratory study of mothers engaging in physical activity in rural communities.
Women Health
; 64(3): 235-249, 2024 03.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38273717
ABSTRACT
Gender gaps in physical activity (PA) exist with women being less active than men. Multiple cultural and psychosocial factors influence women's ability to successfully negotiate barriers to PA and other health promoting behaviors. The goal of this exploratory descriptive study was to better understand the daily experiences of mothers in making health promoting decisions for themselves and their families. Semi-structured interviews (N = 17) were conducted with rural dwelling mothers who were the primary caregivers of children in the home. Participants were asked to share their experiences with PA and other health behaviors, focusing on their motivators, barriers, and facilitators. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using thematic content analysis. Emerging themes focused on 1) feeling internal and external pressures to prioritize family's needs over one's health, 2) family exerting both positive and negative influences on health choices, and 3) living in a rural community often resulting in a lack of opportunities to engage in physical activity and feelings of being isolated from social networks. To close the gender gap in PA, interventions should support mothers in navigating their multiple roles and competing demands while engaging in health promoting behaviors such as physical activity.
Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Banco de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Población Rural
/
Ejercicio Físico
Tipo de estudio:
Prognostic_studies
/
Qualitative_research
Límite:
Child
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Women Health
Año:
2024
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Estados Unidos