Somali women's view of physical activity--a focus group study

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Sociology
• Migration Studies

Background:

• Physical inactivity is a major public health concern, linked to non-communicable diseases.
• Immigrant women, particularly Somali women in Sweden, exhibit higher risks for non-communicable diseases due to factors like obesity and low cardiorespiratory fitness.
• Limited research exists on the determinants of physical activity among Somali women.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the views and experiences of Somali women regarding physical activity following their migration to Sweden.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative focused ethnographic approach was employed.
• Data were collected through four focus groups with 26 Somali women (aged 17–67).
• Discussions were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using qualitative content analysis.

Main Results:

• Four main themes emerged: Life in Somalia vs. Sweden, Understanding Health, and Facilitators/Barriers to Physical Activity.
• Participants highlighted challenges in managing household tasks and family responsibilities in Sweden due to the absence of an extended family support system.
• While aware of physical activity's importance, participants lacked knowledge on individual-based enhancement strategies, identifying safe and comfortable environments as key facilitators.

Conclusions:

• Distinct barriers for Somali women include climate, motivation, time, tradition, and religion, differing from universal barriers.
• Traditional Somali lifestyles do not emphasize leisure-time physical activity, making direct adoption of Swedish activity patterns unsuitable.
• Interventions must be tailored to the heterogeneity of Somali immigrant women, considering age, education, and background, and respecting Somali traditions to effectively increase physical activity.