Physical activity perceptions and experiences of BAME Teesside University students during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study

Abstract

The study sought to explore the barriers and facilitators for making physical activity lifestyle choices among Black Asian Ethnic Minority (BAME) students at Teesside University during the COVID-19 pandemic. A qualitative approach was used to capture the in-depth physical activity experiences of BAME individuals. There is a paucity of primary qualitative studies focusing on BAME individuals’ activity lifestyles prior to and during the COVID-19 lockdowns between April and August 2020. BAME individuals faced exacerbated physical, psychological, social, and institutional barriers which are mapped onto the capability, opportunity, and motivation model of behaviour (COM-B). Twelve BAME participants were interviewed via Microsoft Teams using semi-structured interviews lasting 45 to 60 minutes. Using thematic analysis, we identified seven themes; the two primary ones were barriers and facilitators to being active and were successfully mapped onto the modified COM-B. Although existing literature has used the COM-B, these were primary quantitative findings that did not enable an in-depth exploration of BAME individuals lived experiences of physical activity participation during COVID-19. Thus, the COM-B model was modified to reflect this research’ qualitative approach, through which improved policies and implementation strategies may be applied specifically to BAME individuals.

IMPACT STATEMENT

This research is the first primary qualitative study that has mapped physical activity perceptions and experiences of British Asian Minority Ethnic (BAME) University students at a Northeast of England University during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings demonstrated that physical activity participation was limited due to social, institutional, and psychological barriers in this student population during this time. A key contributing factor was that those participants not vaccinated at this time were less confident about exercising with others. This research findings are transferable to some non-BAME groups of low socio-economic status that prohibit regular gym membership that could facilitate their PA participation. Based on the research findings, it is imperative that the UK government develops future interventions that aim at modifying behaviour models in order to facilitate an understanding of the specific barriers and facilitators for BAME individuals. This could help improve culture of physical activity participation related policies for BAME individuals nationally and subsequently their long-term health.

Keywords:

• BAME
• physical activity
• covid-19
• barriers
• facilitators

Reviewing Editor:

• Joe Thomas, Institute of Health and Management, Australia

SUBJECTS:

• global health
• health education and promotion
• population health

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Johnson Mbabazi

Dr. Johnson Mbabazi is 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 a senior staff member of the Teesside University Health Student Research Network (TUHSRN).

Jeff Breckon

Prof. Jeff Breckon is an associate Dean for Research and Innovation in the School of Health and Life Sciences at Teesside University, mentor and Co-founder of TUHSRN.

Barry Tolchard

Prof. Barry Tolchard is the Director of Integrated Care Academy, mentor and a Co-founder of TUHSRN.

Edward Kunonga

Prof. Edward Kunonga is a public health consultant, lecturer, mentor and member of TUHSRN at Teesside University.

Dorothy Irene Nalweyiso

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

Abiola Fashina

Abiola Fashina is a Biomedical scientist and public health master’s student and an executive committee member of the TUHSRN.

Lawrence Achilles Nnyanzi

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