Assessing Hair Concerns and Physical Activity Measures Among African American Women: a Mixed-Method Exploratory Study

Research on the association between hair concerns and physical activity (PA) constructs among African American (AA) women is lacking. Demographics such as age and income are indicated to influence hair concerns. In this study, quantitative methods were used to assess demographic differences in hair concerns and associations between hair concerns and PA. Qualitative interviewing explored AA women's views about their hair and engagement in PA.

Participants (n = 48; M age = 37.57, SD = 13.72) completed a survey that included demographics, hair type and hairstyle management (HTHM), decisional balance (pros, cons), perceived benefits and perceived barriers scale, and level of physical activity. HTHM consists of six items measuring different factors related to hair concerns. 25 completed a qualitative interview. Chi-square or analysis of variance tests were conducted as appropriate. Qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis.

Proportion differences were noted between age groups (≤ 32 vs. ≥ 33) and average cost of haircare per month (p = .048). A statistically significant effect was noted for average monthly haircare cost and pros (p = .05), and for alter behavior due to hair concerns and perceived benefits to physical activity (p = .05). For level of physical activity, proportion differences were noted between exercisers and non-exercisers for average minutes spent on hair care (p = .009). Qualitative results showed few participants view hair concern as an important barrier to PA. Some participants suggested strategies for overcoming hair concerns to exercise (e.g., braids, twists).

Implications of findings including development of PA intervention approaches that may appeal to AA women are discussed.