The Case for Hair Health in Health Education: Exploring Hair and Physical Activity Among Urban African American Girls

Background: African American adolescent girls have the highest prevalence of overweight and obesity and the lowest levels of physical activity when compared to their peers, putting them at risk for a future of chronic diseases. Data from several studies have identified hair management as a perceived barrier to physical activity among African American women. However, the literature is deficient in identifying this barrier among girls. Purpose: The purpose of this qualitative study is to explore the relationship between cultural hair practices and physical activity in physical education (PE) class among urban African American girls. Methods: Fifty African American females, 14 to19 years old, were administered questions relating to (PE) physical activity and cultural hair practices. Results: Including hair health in Health Education to teach participants how to maintain hairstyles during in-school physical activity could ameliorate challenges to being physically active in physical education class due to hair practices. Discussion: This study provides important insights for culturally tailoring Health Education interventions in order to promote in-school physical activity. Translation to Health Education Practice: Health Education aimed at this population should include hair health as a facilitator to address challenges to physical activity in hopes of reducing obesity. A AJHE Self-Study quiz is online for this article via the SHAPE America Online Institute (SAOI)