Influence of marianismo beliefs on physical activity of mid-life immigrant Latinas: A Photovoice exploration

Gender, ethnicity, culture and race are all determinants of physical activity. Women of all ages report less physical activity than men. This lack of physical activity is more profound among Hispanic women (Latinas), and appears to exist regardless of socioeconomic status. Various hypotheses have been advanced to explain the lack of physical activity among Hispanic women. Included is the construct that describes the influence of cultural beliefs on gender role identity and the prioritization of familial responsibilities over self-care. This construct is referred to as marianismo. The use of a qualitative methodology, i.e. Photovoice, may facilitate our understanding of the influence of marianismo beliefs on physical activity among mid-life immigrant Latinas. Photovoice is a qualitative research method that utilizes photography, writing and discussion to understand an essential phenomenon. The specific aims of this study were to: 1) explore, within the Latina community, the interplay of gender role identity and culture and how this affects participation in physical activity; 2) discover and legitimize the participant's “popular knowledge” as a source of expertise; 3) promote participants' critical dialog and knowledge about physical activity through group discussion of photographs and 4) mobilize formal and informal community leaders to help implement changes recommended by the women. Eight first- generation Hispanic females, 35-55 years of age, took part in this pilot study. The women were given a digital camera and instructed to photograph their typical activities, including household tasks, family/child care and occupational responsibilities over a one- week period. Each woman was then asked to select and discuss one or two photos that were significant to her in terms of describing a typical day and in illustrating physical activity. Group discussions were audio taped and transcribed. Spradley's ethnographic analysis process guided the analysis of the Photovoice transcripts, with an emphasis on identification of cultural themes that reflected the participants' views of the role of physical activity in a woman's life.