Environmental, Policy, and Cultural Factors Related to Physical Activity in African American Women

SUMMARY

Six focus groups were conducted in South Carolina with African American women (n = 42) aged 19–51 years to identify factors that influence physical activity. Transcripts were analyzed using NUD∗IST. Cultural influences were seen as more important in determining the type of physical activity than its level. Barriers to and enablers of physical activity were identified in the social and physical environments, as were policy issues affecting physical activity in the community and at the work site. Potential community and work site interventions were suggested. Child care and monetary costs were frequently cited as barriers to physical activity.

KEYWORDS:

• Physical activity
• women's health
• social ecology
• intervention
• culture
• recreation
• African American