Giving young Emirati women a voice: participatory action research on physical activity.
International evidence on health promotion indicates the importance of regular physical activity for preventing and reducing the incidence of obesity and chronic diseases. This study investigated the relationship between physical activity and the social milieu of young Muslim women in the United Arab Emirates. This participatory action research project included semi-structured in-depth interviews and focus groups and yielded qualitative data. Set within a context of rapid social change, perceived barriers to daily exercise influenced participants' physical activity levels and overall well-being. Results indicated a lack of physical exercise and strategies were proposed for implementation by college staff and students.
Fujairah College, Fujairah, United Arab Emirates. gabyberger@gmx.net
Gabriella
G
Berger
Anita
A
Peerson
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D005783:Gender Identity; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D007514:Islam; D012106:Research; D012924:Social Conditions; D014479:United Arab Emirates; D055815:Young Adult