Experiences related to making healthy physical activity lifestyle choices during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study in a Teesside-based adult BAME population

Abstract

Studies indicated that prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the majority of adult Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) individuals lived a sedentary lifestyle, which exacerbated their physical inactivity behaviours during the COVID-19 subsequent lockdowns. Experiences related to making healthy physical activity (PA) lifestyle choices in adult BAME individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic were mapped onto the capability, opportunity, and motivation model of behaviour (COM-B model). Twelve adult BAME participants were interviewed using one-on-one, semi-structured interviews that lasted 45–60 min, which captured participant perceptions of PA engagement during the pandemic between April and August 2022 via Microsoft Teams. Using thematic analysis, three themes were generated and successfully mapped onto the modified COM-B model. These include the influence of culture on the PA lifestyle, the capability to engage in the PA lifestyle, and the self-reflective determination model. Although existing literature has used both the COM-B and the self-determination models, these have been generalised findings that are not representative of adult BAME individuals’ lived PA participation experiences. This enabled the modification of the COM-B and self-reflective determination models to reflect the experiences of adult BAME individuals with respect to PA participation as well as improving PA culturally related policies.

Keywords:

• Physical activity
• BAME
• COVID-19 pandemic
• adults
• COM-B model

Reviewing Editor:

• Joe Thomas, Institute of Health and Management, Australia

SUBJECTS:

• Physical Activity and Health
• Global Health

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Johnson Mbabazi

Johnson Mbabazi, an associate lecturer at Teesside University. He is also the Co-founder and chairman of the Teesside University Health Students Research Network. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Public Health, a Fellow of the European Public Health Association, and an associate of the Royal College of Physicians. He has published a lot of peer-reviewed articles and books. A multiple international award-winning author and UK Plaque winner.

Fiona MacGregor

Fiona MacGregor is a Principal Lecturer for International, SHLS Allied Health at Teesside University and part of the member of the Teesside University Health Student Research Network (TUHSRN).

Jeff Breckon

Jeff Breckon is Associate Dean for Research and Innovation in the School of Health and Life Sciences at Teesside University and Co-founder of TUHSRN.

Barry Tolchard

Barry Tolchard is Director of Integrated Care Academy and a Co-founder TUHSRN.

Edward Kunonga

Edward Kunonga is a lecturer and a member of TUHSRN at Teesside University.

Dorothy Irene Nalweyiso

Dorothy Irene Nalweyiso is Doctor of Public Health at Teesside University, part time lecturer at Makerere University and an executive committee member TUHSRN.

Abiola Fashina

Abiola Fashina A Biomedical scientist and a Public Health master’s student at Teesside University and an executive TUHSRN.

Lawrence Achilles Nnyanzi

Lawrence Achilles Nnyanzi is a Senior Lecturer in Research Methods Programme Leader Doctorate in Public Health and a Co-founder of TUHSRN.