Barriers to performing stretching exercises among Korean-Chinese female migrant workers in Korea.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to investigate the barriers to performing stretching exercise experienced by Korean-Chinese female migrant workers during a community-based 12-week stretching exercise intervention trial.


METHODS
Qualitative secondary data analysis was conducted using telephone counseling interview transcripts from 27 middle-aged, Korean-Chinese migrant women workers.


METHODS
A semistructured interview question asking barriers to performing stretching exercise was given to women who did not adhere to recommended stretching exercise. During the 12-week home-based stretching exercise intervention trial, six telephone calls were made to participants biweekly to elicit barriers to performing stretching exercise. Directed content analysis approach was utilized using three barrier categories: intrapersonal, interpersonal, and work-related environmental factors based on the ecological model.


RESULTS
Participants experienced an average of 2.5 barriers during the study period. Intrapersonal barriers included lack of time and lack of motivation, and interpersonal barriers included no family to provide support and also a feeling resistance from coworkers. Work-related environmental barriers included frequent job changes, long working hours, lack of rest time, and unpredictable job demands.


CONCLUSIONS
The findings highlight that migrant workers in Korea face unique work-related difficulties which present barriers to exercise.
Nursing Policy Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Nursing, Seoul, South Korea.
Hyeonkyeong
H
Lee
JoEllen
J
Wilbur
Duckhee
D
Chae
Kyongeun
K
Lee
Meenhye
M
Lee
D000328:Adult; D002681:China / Q000208:ethnology; D003153:Community Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D052580:Muscle Stretching Exercises; D036301:Qualitative Research; D056910:Republic of Korea; D013997:Time Factors; D014171:Transients and Migrants / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014937:Work
barrier; ecological model; exercise; migrant workers; work environment