Facilitators, Barriers, and Strategies for Exercise in European American Women in the Community

A qualitative study was undertaken to explore the facilitators, barriers, and strategies that contribute to exercise performance in European American (EA) women. Focus groups were used to obtain information about the experiences of EA women concerning physical activity in their daily lives. Sixteen women aged 35-50 were recruited to participate in one of two focus groups. Focus group transcripts were coded and content analyzed. Major facilitators identified were social support, accommodating schedule, self improvement, supportive environment, and individual factors. Major barriers were lack of family support, unaccommodating schedule, consequences of exercise, environmental barriers, and individual barriers. The findings of this study can be used to develop nursing interventions designed to decrease sedentary behavior in EA women.