![[ Visit Client Website ]](images/banner.gif)
Tuesday, November 3, 2009: 1:15 PM
Learning Objective 1: describe motivators and barriers to physical activity among older Russian-speaking immigrants.
Learning Objective 2: describe preferences for health and physical activity interventions for the management of chronic conditions that affect older Russian-speaking immigrants.
Physical activity can and does help older adults to manage many chronic conditions that affect the ability to function independently and to promote and maintain health. However, designing culturally appropriate interventions to facilitate physical activity requires further exploration. The purpose of this study is to explore motivators and barriers to physical activity among Russian-speaking older-adult immigrants from the former Soviet Union and to use that information to develop culturally congruent physical activity interventions. Russian-speaking Slavic immigrants in the U.S. engage in physical activity less than other groups and up to 90% of the population is plagued with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, and depression. Utilizing Kleinman’s, explanatory model as the theoretical framework, four focus groups involving 15 men and 9 women were conducted to solicit culturally constructed health beliefs regarding physical activity. Qualitative descriptive analysis identified motivators, barriers and important concepts regarding the promotion of physical activity in this ethnic minority group. Participants valued physical activity, noting increased energy and decreased pain as a result. They particularly valued walking. Barriers include poor health, environmental safety, restriction to access due to finances, as well as social and cultural isolation. Members were most interested in participating in community walking groups and were in agreement that church-centered physical activity would be well accepted. Members have a strong interest in learning more about their health and cited support for broader health programs that include information related to nutrition and herbal remedies as well as physical activity. This research contributes to nursing and community health practice by: 1) bridging the knowledge gap about physical activity for this largely understudied immigrant group, 2) informing the design of a health intervention to manage chronic conditions, and 3) providing practical information for clinicians, community health professionals, and others working with immigrant Slavic older adults.