Beliefs and attitudes of immigrant African Women toward physical activity and exercise in Jyväskylä.
Gichuki, Carolyne; Scaramella, Claudio (2015)
Jyväskylän ammattikorkeakoulu
2015
All rights reserved
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2015120319206
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2015120319206
Tiivistelmä
Multiculturalism has become in recent years a large part of Finnish society. In the year 2013 and 2014, a total of 31,950 people migrated to Finland. Sports, physical activities and exercise are favorable ways for integration and promoting health among immigrants in their new country.
The purpose of the study is to identify the beliefs and attitudes towards physical activity and exercise among African women as well as investigate about their satisfaction and health benefits in relation to physical activities. Moreover, understand how the African culture shapes these values, beliefs and attitudes. The aim is to provide information and guidance that can help African immigrant women to get opportunities of engaging in physical activity and exercise in Finland and achieve health and other benefits that come as a result.
This study was carried out through a qualitative research method. Subjects have been recruited by purposive sampling method. Data analysis was performed by coding and content analysis of the questionnaires.
Three major findings were found. Attitude to sport: Subjects expressed that they engage more in physical activity in their home countries than in Finland. Physical and Psychological benefits: Participants value exercise and believe exercise and physical activities promote health.
Motivating and limiting factors: Subjects reported that their exercise group, not only provided them with company but also improved their social skills and integration into the Finnish culture. Challenges included, financial matters, family responsibilities, pressure from studies and working at the same time and a harsh climate.
The purpose of the study is to identify the beliefs and attitudes towards physical activity and exercise among African women as well as investigate about their satisfaction and health benefits in relation to physical activities. Moreover, understand how the African culture shapes these values, beliefs and attitudes. The aim is to provide information and guidance that can help African immigrant women to get opportunities of engaging in physical activity and exercise in Finland and achieve health and other benefits that come as a result.
This study was carried out through a qualitative research method. Subjects have been recruited by purposive sampling method. Data analysis was performed by coding and content analysis of the questionnaires.
Three major findings were found. Attitude to sport: Subjects expressed that they engage more in physical activity in their home countries than in Finland. Physical and Psychological benefits: Participants value exercise and believe exercise and physical activities promote health.
Motivating and limiting factors: Subjects reported that their exercise group, not only provided them with company but also improved their social skills and integration into the Finnish culture. Challenges included, financial matters, family responsibilities, pressure from studies and working at the same time and a harsh climate.