Exploring barriers, motivators and facilitators for physical activity and exercise in a UK South Asian community: a qualitative study

Objectives This study aimed to elucidate motivators, barriers and facilitators of physical activity (PA) and exercise in a UK adult South Asian (SA) population. In addition, we sought to understand the sources of information regarding PA and the awareness of UK PA guidelines. Finally, the study aimed to explore public understanding of the utility of exercise for health outcomes and the role in disease prevention.Design Explorative study using qualitative research methods including interviews and self-determination theory.Setting Birmingham, UK.Participants The study included 15 UK SA adults (8 male, 7 female) with a mean age of 53.1 years (SA defined as Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi or Sri Lankan).Results We here found three key themes: (1) Engagement in PA and exercise, (2) Factors influencing PA and exercise (both barriers and facilitators) and (3) Accessibility to information. Participants showed a thorough understanding of PA; however, they lacked knowledge of strength-building exercise (ie, resistance exercise). This was particularly evident in SA women. Barriers to exercise typically focused around concepts of time, while facilitators centred on sufficient support. Knowledge of PA and exercise was typically obtained via social media, with only 2/15 aware of UK guidelines.Conclusions While SA adults were aware of the importance of PA and its utility in health prevention, there was an evident lack of knowledge of guidelines and in particular the need for resistance exercise or other strength-building activities. We highlight a need to develop new routes to disseminate information within the SA population to increase knowledge and understanding of PA and resistance exercise for overall health.