Understanding physical activity in the group home setting: a qualitative inquiry

Area of Science:

• Rehabilitation science
• Disability studies
• Public health

Background:

• Individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) exhibit low physical activity levels and high chronic disease rates.
• The home environment's influence on physical activity in this population is underexplored.
• Group homes present a unique setting for examining physical activity behaviors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To qualitatively explore physical activity within the group home setting.
• To identify key stakeholder needs for physical activity programs.
• To understand facilitators and barriers to physical activity in group homes.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative descriptive design utilizing semistructured focus groups.
• Inclusion of 20 stakeholders: residents with ID, support staff, and program coordinators.
• Focus groups were segregated by stakeholder status.

Main Results:

• Six meta-themes emerged: nature of activity, facilitators, barriers, personal factors, organizational factors, and solutions.
• Identified key attributes of the group home environment acting as barriers and facilitators.
• Stakeholders expressed unique needs for physical activity programs.

Conclusions:

• Residents with ID have limited physical activity and participation opportunities.
• Group home operational priorities, staffing issues, and staff attitudes are significant barriers.
• Interventions must address the specific needs and context of the group home setting for successful implementation.