PHYSICAL-ACTIVITY AND MINORITY WOMEN - A QUALITATIVE STUDY

Few physical activity research studies have been conducted with minori ty women. The purpose of this study was to explore patterns of physica l activity among minority women. Focus groups were conducted with volu nteers older than age 40. Each group was led by a trained moderator fa miliar with the ethnic community targeted. The sessions were audiotape d and professionally tnnscribed. Constructs were researched and codes were developed. Data were analyzed using NUD*IST(R) qualitative analys is program. While participants did not identify themselves as ''exerci sers,'' they indicated they got enough physical activity from caregivi ng, housekeeping, and workday activities. The most common environmenta l barriers to becoming more physically active included safety, availab ility, and cost. Personal barriers included lack of time, health conce rns, and lack of motivation. Results indicate the importance of termin ology and assessment when conducting physical activity research in the se populations. Also, results suggest many barriers an: changeable wit h policies and interventions.