Keywords

barriers, faith-based, focus groups Latinas, physical activity

 

Authors

  1. Martinez, Suzanna M. MS
  2. Arredondo, Elva M. PhD
  3. Perez, Gabriela BS
  4. Baquero, Barbara MPH

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the barriers to and facilitators of physical activity (PA) relevant to a faith-based community living in a border region. Two focus groups were conducted with 25 Latina churchgoers. Latinas identified barriers to PA that included individual (eg, lack of motivation and time, language, economics, social support, family/household responsibilities), sociocultural (eg, fear of border patrol, machismo, and neighborhood safety), and environmental barriers (eg, traffic-related and dogs). Facilitators of PA were PA knowledge, child care, time management, and advocacy skills. The authors concluded that a church-based multilevel intervention targeting Latinas may be ideal for promoting PA and facilitating environmental changes.