FACILITATORS, BARRIERS, AND STRATEGIES FOR EXERCISE IN EUROPEAN-AMERICAN WOMEN IN THE COMMUNITY

A qualitative study was undertaken to explore the facilitators, barrie rs, and strategies that contribute to exercise performance in European American (EA) women. Focus groups were used to obtain information abo ut the experiences of EA women concerning physical activity in their d aily lives. Sixteen women aged 35-50 were recruited to participate in one of two focus groups. Focus group transcripts were coded and conten t analyzed. Major facilitators identified were social support, accommo dating schedule, self improvement, supportive environment, and individ ual factors. Major barriers were lack of family support, unaccommodati ng schedule, consequences of exercise, environmental barriers, and ind ividual barriers, The findings of this study can be used to develop nu rsing interventions designed to decrease sedentary behavior in EA wome n.