Barriers and Facilitators of Physical Activity in Children of a South Asian Ethnicity

Children of South Asian ethnicity residing in England have low levels of physical activity. Limited literature exists on correlates, barriers and facilitators to activity in South Asian children. The aim of this study was to fill this gap in the literature. Interviews were conducted with 10 parents of South Asian ethnicity residing in the UK. Interviews covered a description of the family setup, participants’ opinions of physical activity including barriers and facilitators and their children’s participation, as well as approaches to general parenting, and how children spend their free time. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Key themes identified included (i) restraints on parents’ and children’s time to be physically active, (ii) the role of the family in children’s physical activity participation, (iii) situational barriers to physical activity, (iv) physical activity not a priority, (v) opportunities to be active, (vi) perception of activity level and health. A number of key barriers to South Asian children’s participation in physical activity were identified, including (i) restraints on parents and children’s time, (ii) parents providing limited support for physical activity, (iii) physical activity has a low priority. A number of facilitators were also identified (i) play, (ii) school-time, (iii) extra-curricular clubs. In this sample of South Asian parents residing in the UK several socio-cultural barriers and facilitators of their children’s physical activity have been identified. The study provides preliminary data for a larger study to ascertain if such barriers and facilitators are representative of the wider South Asian community, so that recommendations for intervention and policies can be made.