Effects of Physical Activity and Healthy Nutrition in Immigrant Women's Health

Abstract

Previous studies have highlighted the need for further research concerning Physical Activity (PA) engagement among the immigrant populations. Therefore, the aim of this research was to describe immigrant women’s motivation in physical activity participation in Helsinki, Finland. The interviews took place during April and May 2019 at three different community centres in Helsinki organized by Monaliiku Organization.

There were seven participants recruited to take part in the study. Age and Finnish language proficiency were the determining factors in the recruiting process. The ages of the participants were from 20 to 50 years. Structured open-ended interview questions were used to collect data. This study used deductive qualitative content analysis and thematic analysis was used to analyze the data.

Some participants were satisfied with the exercise experience from Fit4Life sport program. Most of them however were open in exploring other exercise programs with some wishing for a women-only exercise program. What motivated the participants into joining other sport programs was if the other sport programs are free of charge, adequate knowledge about the other sport programs beforehand and a sport program that has different kinds of exercise equipment. It is very evident that most participants were motivated into joining other sport programs. The idea of using the same exercise equipment was a setback thus some went to work out in other gyms.