Research Objective 1

Understanding the physical activity challenges and preferences of New Canadian women

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Purpose: To gain insight into female immigrants’ views of physical activity after arriving in Canada.

Method: 6 focus groups were conducted with 31 new Canadian women.
The interviews focused on topics related to the participants’ general understanding and personal experiences with physical activity.

Results: Reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyze participant responses.
Themes were organized into three major sections including barriers of physical activity, preferences for physical activity, and children’s physical activity.

Results

Barriers: Barriers cited by focus group participants support many of the factors that have been previously identified in the literature. It is difficult for people to become active if they do not have the financial means, time, ability, and access to facilities. For newcomers, in particular, the winter in Canada is much different from their home country. Many have no experience with winter activities and find it challenging to be active when it is cold outside. Language can also be a barrier. Many participants noted difficulty accessing information related to physical activity programming in the community.

Preferences: The women often expressed interest in group-based activities that pair physical activity with social opportunities. All of the focus groups discussed a desire to connect with other newcomers to make friends, share problems, and access information. Another idea suggested including a language component to the physical activity program that would allow the women to improve their English language skills. Many women acknowledged that childcare should be offered in conjunction with physical activity programming. Activities should be fun and accessible to newcomers and programs should consider having a knowledgeable leader and adaptations for individuals with health issues and/or injuries.

Children’s PA: The women interviewed emphasized the benefits of physical activity for new Canadian children who spend a lot of time on screens and often do not have space at home to be sufficiently active. Suggestions for children’s physical activity programming included a variety of age-based physical activities that provide leadership opportunities. Programs within walking distance, after school were desired. Many women also felt that it was important for programs to integrate Canadian-born children and include a language component to help children transition into a new country.