Loading...
Exercise and physical activity in asylum seekers in Northern England; using the theoretical domains framework to identify barriers and facilitators
Waskett, Catherine Montague, Jane Horne, Maria
Waskett, Catherine
Montague, Jane
Horne, Maria
Publication Date
2018
End of Embargo
Supervisor
Rights
© 2018 The Author(s). This is an Open Access article distributed under the Creative Commons CC-BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
Peer-Reviewed
Yes
Open Access status
openAccess
Accepted for publication
2018-06-11
Institution
Department
Awarded
Embargo end date
Collections
Abstract
Many asylum seekers have complex mental health needs which can be exacerbated by the challenging
circumstances in which they live and difficulties accessing health services. Regular moderate physical activity can improve
mental health and would be a useful strategy to achieve this. Evidence suggests there are barriers to engaging black and
minority ethnic groups in physical activity, but there is little research around asylum seekers to address the key barriers
and facilitators in this group.
Methods: A two stage qualitative study used semi-structured interviews underpinned by the Theoretical Domains
Framework. The interviews were conducted in voluntary sector groups in four towns/ cities in Northern England.
Purposive sampling recruited 36 asylum seekers from 18 different countries. Interviews were audio recorded,
transcribed verbatim and subject to framework analysis. Stage two involved a nominal group technique with five key
stakeholders including asylum seekers and those that work with them. They followed a four stage process to rank and
reach consensus on the key barrier to undertaking physical activity/ exercise that could be addressed locally through a
future intervention.
Results: A number of barriers and facilitators were identified including a lack of understanding of the term physical
activity and recommended levels but knowledge of the health benefits of physical activity/ exercise and the
motivation to increase levels having engaged with activities back home. Living as an asylum seeker was considered a
barrier due to the stress, poverty and temporary nature of living in an unfamiliar place. The outcome of the nominal
group technique was that a lack of knowledge of facilities in the local area was the prevailing barrier that could be
addressed.
Conclusions: Public health practitioners could develop interventions which capitalise on the motivation and knowledge
of asylum seekers to encourage an increase in physical activity which may in turn reduce the breadth and depth of
mental health needs of this group.
Version
Published version
Citation
Haith-Cooper M, Waskett C, Montague J et al (2018) Exercise and physical activity in asylum seekers in Northern England; using the theoretical domains framework to identify barriers and facilitators. BMC Public Health. 18(1): 762.
Link to publisher’s version
Link to published version
Link to Version of Record
Type
Article