Understanding physical activity participation among underserved women: a mixed-methods cross sectional study using an...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Sociology
• Health Psychology

Background:

• Physical inactivity is a major cause of non-communicable diseases and health inequalities in the UK.
• Underserved women in socioeconomically deprived, post-industrial port communities face intersecting barriers to physical activity (PA).
• These barriers include gender norms, ethnicity, chronic illness, caregiving, and limited access to affordable, culturally appropriate PA opportunities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore multi-level influences on PA engagement among women in specific UK port communities.
• To address a critical evidence gap using an ecological and intersectional lens.
• To inform the development of targeted PA interventions for underserved populations.

Main Methods:

• Convergent parallel mixed-methods design based on Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Systems Theory.
• Quantitative data from 112 women (aged 18-65) using International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF) and Exercise Benefits and Barriers Scale (EBBS).
• Qualitative data from open-ended prompts analyzed thematically; findings integrated across five ecological levels.

Main Results:

• Only 58% of participants met recommended PA guidelines.
• Key barriers identified: chronic health conditions (OR=0.50), caregiving (OR=0.56), low self-confidence (OR=0.49), and cost (OR=0.59).
• Qualitative data revealed intersecting challenges: cultural expectations, modesty norms, family criticism, lack of safe infrastructure, and inconsistent program availability; temporal factors also disrupted engagement.

Conclusions:

• Women's PA is shaped by complex individual, social, structural, cultural, and temporal factors.
• Standardized behavioral messaging is ineffective; interventions require inclusivity, cultural sensitivity, and local relevance.
• Findings provide a foundation for designing equity-focused, multi-level strategies to promote PA in underserved communities.