Recognition of Barriers to Physical Activity Promotion in Immigrant Children in Spain: A Qualitative Case Study

Romain Marconnot, Antonio Luís Marín-Rojas, Jose Manuel Delfa- de-la-Morena, Jorge Pérez-Corrales, Javier Gueita-Rodríguez, Cesar Fernández- de-las-Peñas and Domingo Palacios-Ceña
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Romain Marconnot: Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation of Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Avenida Atenas s/n, 28922 Alcorcón, Spain
Antonio Luís Marín-Rojas: Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation of Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Avenida Atenas s/n, 28922 Alcorcón, Spain
Jose Manuel Delfa- de-la-Morena: Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation of Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Avenida Atenas s/n, 28922 Alcorcón, Spain
Jorge Pérez-Corrales: Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation of Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Avenida Atenas s/n, 28922 Alcorcón, Spain
Javier Gueita-Rodríguez: Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation of Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Avenida Atenas s/n, 28922 Alcorcón, Spain
Cesar Fernández- de-las-Peñas: Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation of Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Avenida Atenas s/n, 28922 Alcorcón, Spain
Domingo Palacios-Ceña: Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation of Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Avenida Atenas s/n, 28922 Alcorcón, Spain

IJERPH, 2019, vol. 16, issue 3, 1-22

Abstract: Physical activity facilitates the acquisition of healthy habits from childhood to adulthood. Differences exist regarding the performance of physical activity among immigrant children compared to native Spanish children. The purpose of the study was to describe the barriers that exist for the promotion of physical activity. A qualitative case-study approach was implemented. Parents of immigrant children, teachers, a school principal, and priests were included, using purposeful sampling. Data were collected from 25 participants, via unstructured and semi-structured interviews, focus groups, and researchers’ field notes. A thematic analysis was performed and ecological levels were identified. Our findings revealed the following barriers to performing physical activity: (a) the meaning of physical activity, (b) gender inequalities, (c) academic burden, (d) lack of social contact, (e) expenses and family economy, (f) lack of infrastructure and natural surroundings, (g) time constraints, (h) fear and insecurity, and (i) the reason for immigrating. These results may be used to revise the school curriculum, promoting equal opportunities for physical activity and encouraging family participation. Additionally, urban design policies should be encouraged to facilitate access to open spaces for recreation within cities.

Keywords: emigrants and immigrants; exercise; child; parents; qualitative research (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (4)

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