Abstract
Aim: The current study aims to qualitatively identify determinants, barriers and facilitators of physical activity among a population with mental health disorders.
Subject and methods: Seventeen participants with moderate mental disorders were recruited. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to identify physical activity facilitators and barriers. Data were organized and analysed in ATLAS.ti, mainly based on a generic qualitative research approach.
Results: Most participants found physical activity important and expressed a positive attitude towards it. In general, higher self-efficacy and more social support were beneficial for participants' physical activity levels. Reasons/facilitating factors to be more physically active were: having fun, good weather, progress, routine, self-compassion and a stimulating environment. Barriers were not having fun, being busy, mental complaints, lack of energy, procrastination and physical complaints.
Conclusion: Future interventions could promote physical activity among people with moderate mental disorders to help them identify and overcome barriers. The newly identified determinant 'self-compassion' could be an interesting target for promoting physical activity in this group of people with moderate mental disorders.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1401-1416 |
Number of pages | 16 |
Journal | Journal of Public Health |
Volume | 31 |
Issue number | 9 |
Early online date | 1 Jun 2022 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Sept 2023 |
Keywords
- ACTIVITY INTERVENTIONS
- Barriers
- Behaviour change theories
- DETERMINANTS
- Determinants
- EXERCISE
- Facilitators
- HEALTH
- ILLNESS
- MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER
- Mental disorders
- PARTICIPATION
- PEOPLE
- Physical activity
- SEDENTARY BEHAVIOR
- SELF-DETERMINATION THEORY