Shifting priorities: understanding physical inactivity from the perspective of female youth
The occurrence of many health problems among women like obesity, cancer and cardio-vascular diseases (CVDs) is associated with their physical inactivity. Often, tight work schedule, misconception of certain practices as well as socio-cultural barriers have become factors for not being actively e...
| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English English |
| Published: |
Institut Penyelidikan Pembangunan Belia Malaysia (IYRES)
2019
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| Online Access: | http://irep.iium.edu.my/71854/ http://irep.iium.edu.my/71854/ http://irep.iium.edu.my/71854/1/71854_Shifting%20Priorities%20Understanding%20Physical%20Inactivity.pdf http://irep.iium.edu.my/71854/7/71854_Shifting%20priorities_mycite.pdf |
| Summary: | The occurrence of many health problems among women like obesity, cancer
and cardio-vascular diseases (CVDs) is associated with their physical
inactivity. Often, tight work schedule, misconception of certain practices as
well as socio-cultural barriers have become factors for not being actively
engaged in any physical activities. Studies show that physical inactivity had
become the leading cause of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among
women in many developing countries. This study employs a qualitative
approach. Using unstructured interview, this study aims to (1) examine the
meaning attached to physical activity among female youth and (2) identify
the socio-cultural factors associated with one’s level of physical inactivity.
Fifteen Malay female youth aged 18-26 were recruited using the purposive
sampling technique. Data were transcribed and analysed using thematic
approach. The results of this study reveal that physical activity is a distressful
event for female youth. They focused more on other personal obligations
compared to physical activities, they are surrounded by physically inactive
friends and received minimal parental support. In short, this study believes
that becoming physically active among female youth should be considered
as one of the core agendas of the nation as well as collective responsibility
of the individual, communities and government agencies since maintaining
good health in the later lives of women is essential due to women’s longer
life expectancy than men. |
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