Abstract
Somali women living in the US are at increased risk for chronic health conditions due to changes in lifestyle following immigration.
Numerous barriers to physical activity have been reported in this population. Behavioral theory may inform the design of successful
health interventions. We explored in focus groups the behavioral determinants of physical activity (theory of planned behavior,
self-efficacy) among Somali women (N = 30). We found that most (two-thirds) subjects were sedentary, although women who had lived in the US for 10 years or longer
were more likely to be active. Somali women recognize the health threat of physical inactivity, including high rates of obesity.
Moral norms appear to be the major barrier to physical activity, due to prohibitions against exercising in public or in Western-style
clothing. Taking moral norms into consideration should allow for the design of culturally-appropriate exercise programs that
can address a major health threat in this vulnerable population.
Numerous barriers to physical activity have been reported in this population. Behavioral theory may inform the design of successful
health interventions. We explored in focus groups the behavioral determinants of physical activity (theory of planned behavior,
self-efficacy) among Somali women (N = 30). We found that most (two-thirds) subjects were sedentary, although women who had lived in the US for 10 years or longer
were more likely to be active. Somali women recognize the health threat of physical inactivity, including high rates of obesity.
Moral norms appear to be the major barrier to physical activity, due to prohibitions against exercising in public or in Western-style
clothing. Taking moral norms into consideration should allow for the design of culturally-appropriate exercise programs that
can address a major health threat in this vulnerable population.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-7
- DOI 10.1007/s10903-011-9469-2
- Authors
- John T. Devlin, Maine Medical Center, Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, 39 Forest Ave., Portland, ME 04101, USA
- Deqa Dhalac, City of Portland Public Health and Human Services Department, Minority Health Program, Portland, ME, USA
- Asha A. Suldan, City of Portland Public Health and Human Services Department, Oral Hygiene Program, Portland, ME, USA
- Ana Jacobs, Maine Medical Center, Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, 39 Forest Ave., Portland, ME 04101, USA
- Khadija Guled, Community Counseling Center, Refugee & Immigrant Case Management Program, Portland, ME, USA
- Kolawole A. Bankole, City of Portland Public Health and Human Services Department, Minority Health Program, Portland, ME, USA
- Journal Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health
- Online ISSN 1557-1920
- Print ISSN 1557-1912