How'd they do it? Understanding successful physical activity experiences among low-income African American women

The link between physical activity (PA) and health is clear. However, PA participation is less than optimal, especially in low-income communities and among women of color. Increasing PA participation among low-income African Americans is an important target for addressing health disparities. Further study is needed on how to improve PA levels in this population group. While several studies have examined barriers to PA, few have examined the success of physically active, low-income African American women. Guided by grounded theory, in-depth individual interviews were conducted with fourteen low-income, African American women who had been active at recommended levels for one year or more. Participants were categorized as physically active through objective assessment in a previous study. Survey data on sociodemographic and neighborhood factors from the previous study was used to understand the context for PA involvement. Participants described their self-conceptualization as physically active women, the financial challenges they face, and how they overcome them. Additionally, this study assessed the utility of the Physical Activity Evolution (PAE) framework in conceptualizing the experiences of this group of women. Several refinements to the PAE framework were necessary to accommodate the experiences of low-income women including their perceptions of African American social and cultural contexts and its impact on PA participation. Understanding the challenges and strategies for maintaining PA participation among low-income, African American women will help inform effective interventions and other health promotion efforts to reduce the burden of inactivity and chronic disease in this community of women.