Dance Dance “Cultural” Revolution: Tailoring a Physical Activity Intervention for South Asian Children

This study uses a mixed-methods embedded design to investigate factors associated with physical activity (PA) among SAs, and develops a culturally-relevant exercise intervention for SA children ages 8 –11. Twenty-eight (28) participants including children, parents, principals, teachers, and Bhangra instructors across four elementary schools in Surrey, BC participated in semi-structured interviews and a self-report survey. Using the immersion/crystallization approach, four major themes were iden tified: (1) awareness of the importance and benefits of PA, (2) discrepancy between expectations and actual opportunities for PA in the school-setting, (3) sub-optimal conditions for PA at school and home, and (4) intervention characteristics conducive for promoting exercise in SA children. Competin g demands and lack of opportunities posed as prominent obstacles. To address these barriers, a culturally-appealing exercise intervention may offer a viable approach to motivate SA children to exercise.
Source: Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health - Category: International Medicine & Public Health Source Type: research