Barriers, Facilitators, and Experiences with Exercise Among Individuals of South Asian Heritage Living with and Beyond Cancer
Date
2022-07-08
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Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to understand the physical activity (PA) experiences, as well as needs, barriers, and facilitators to exercise, among individuals of South Asian heritage diagnosed with cancer. Methods: A qualitative descriptive design was used for this study. Individuals of South Asian heritage were recruited via a mix of convenience sampling and purposive sampling, with outreach via radio, posters in community settings, and via participants in current exercise oncology studies. Inclusion criteria included being over the age of 18; diagnosed with any cancer type and stage; pre, during, or post-treatment; able to speak English, Hindi, or Punjabi; and self-identified as South Asian. Data for this study was collected via semi-structured interviews conducted in either Hindi, Punjabi, or English. Interviews were transcribed verbatim in the original language and then analysed using conventional content analysis. The codes created through analysis were then translated and back-translated to ensure accuracy. Codes were then organized into themes and categories. Results: Eight participants were recruited, with 5 interviews in Punjabi and 3 interviews in English. The three themes that were created from the participant interviews include: 1) Culture, 2) Informational Needs, and 3) The Nature of Exercise Oncology Programming. Within these themes, categories included PA needs, barriers, and facilitators. Conclusion: Participants’ perspectives provided insights into the PA experiences, barriers, facilitators, and needs of people of South Asian heritage living with and beyond cancer. The results can be used to inform the tailoring of exercise oncology resources to better support physical activity for this population.
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Keywords
exercise oncology, South Asian, barriers, facilitators, preferences
Citation
Bansal, M. B. (2022). Barriers, facilitators, and experiences with exercise among individuals of South Asian heritage living with and beyond cancer (Master's thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca.