title: Using Qualitative Methods to Understand Physical Activity and Weight Management Among Bangladeshis in New York City, 2013.
abstract: South Asians experience high rates of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, coupled with low rates of reported physical activity. We report findings from a qualitative sub-study that was conducted in 2013 among Bangladeshi immigrants in New York City to understand factors that affect physical activity practices and weight management in this community.
  
  
  
  Qualitative study participants were recruited from community-based settings. Sex-specific focus groups were conducted by trained community health workers. Proceedings were audio-recorded for translation and transcription and coded using a constant comparative approach. Data were coded using Atlas.ti software.
  
  
  
  Six focus groups were completed with a final sample of 67 participants (63% male, 37% female). Mean participant age was 42 years; mean years of residence in the United States was 12. Key themes that emerged were beliefs about modesty and sex-separated facilities that may prevent women from engaging in physical activity. Distinctions were made between men and women about what constitutes exercise versus physical activity; religious prayer was considered to be health-promoting because of the movement involved. Other important themes that emerged were cultural dietary practices and evolving conceptions of healthy weight.
  
  
  
  Tailored interventions that take into account the cultural context of this growing community are needed. Findings may also provide insight into barriers to health promotion experienced by other US Muslim communities, which are growing rapidly.
authors.affiliation: The Michael J. Fox Foundation, New York, New York.
authors.forename: Lindsey
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Riley
authors.affiliation: New York University, School of Medicine, Department of Population Health, New York, New York.
authors.forename: Saima
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mili
authors.affiliation: New York University, School of Medicine, Department of Population Health, New York, New York.
authors.forename: Chau
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Trinh-Shevrin
authors.affiliation: New York University, School of Medicine, Department of Population Health, 227 East 30th St, 8F, New York, NY 10016. Email: nadia.islam@nyumc.org.
authors.forename: Nadia
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Islam
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001459:Bangladesh / Q000208:ethnology; D000068959:Body Weight Maintenance; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control; D003256:Community Participation / Q000379:methods*; D054521:Cultural Competency; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000517:prevention & control; D054242:Emigrants and Immigrants; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009519:New York City; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D055815:Young Adult