Young people's experiences of physical activity insecurity: a qualitative study highlighting intersectional disadvantage in the UK.
Adolescents
Deprivation
Disadvantage
Gender
LGBTQ +
Physical activity insecurity
Sexuality
Young people
Journal
BMC public health
ISSN: 1471-2458
Titre abrégé: BMC Public Health
Pays: England
ID NLM: 100968562
Informations de publication
Date de publication:
15 Mar 2024
15 Mar 2024
Historique:
received:
31
05
2023
accepted:
12
02
2024
medline:
18
3
2024
pubmed:
16
3
2024
entrez:
16
3
2024
Statut:
epublish
Résumé
Intersecting socioeconomic and demographic reasons for physical activity (PA) inequalities are not well understood for young people at risk of experiencing marginalisation and living with disadvantage. This study explored young people's experiences of PA in their local area, and the associated impacts on opportunities for good physical and emotional health and wellbeing. Seven local youth groups were purposefully sampled from disadvantaged areas across urban, rural and coastal areas of England, including two that were specifically for LGBTQ + young people. Each group engaged in three interlinked focus groups which explored young people's perceptions and lived experience of PA inequalities. Data were analysed using an inductive, reflexive thematic approach to allow for flexibility in coding. Fifty five young people aged 12-21 years of different sexualities, gender and ethnicity took part. Analysis yielded four themes: PA experiences across spaces; resigned to a lack of inclusivity and 'belonging'; safety first; complexities in access and accessibility. Young people felt more comfortable to be active in spaces that were simpler to navigate, particularly outdoor locations largely based in nature. In contrast, local gyms and sports clubs, and the school environment in general, were spoken about often in negative terms and as spaces where they experienced insecurity, unsafety or discomfort. It was common for these young people to feel excluded from PA, often linked to their gender and sexuality. Lived experiences or fears of being bullied and harassed in many activity spaces was a powerful message, but in contrast, young people perceived their local youth club as a safe space. Intersecting barriers related to deprivation, gender and sexuality, accessibility, disability, Covid-19, affordability, ethnicity, and proximity of social networks. A need emerged for safe spaces in which young people can come together, within the local community and choose to be active. The overarching concept of 'physical activity insecurity' emerged as a significant concern for the young people in this study. We posit that PA insecurity in this context can be described as a limited or restricted ability to be active, reinforced by worries and lived experiences of feeling uncomfortable, insecure, or unsafe.
Sections du résumé
BACKGROUND
BACKGROUND
Intersecting socioeconomic and demographic reasons for physical activity (PA) inequalities are not well understood for young people at risk of experiencing marginalisation and living with disadvantage. This study explored young people's experiences of PA in their local area, and the associated impacts on opportunities for good physical and emotional health and wellbeing.
METHODS
METHODS
Seven local youth groups were purposefully sampled from disadvantaged areas across urban, rural and coastal areas of England, including two that were specifically for LGBTQ + young people. Each group engaged in three interlinked focus groups which explored young people's perceptions and lived experience of PA inequalities. Data were analysed using an inductive, reflexive thematic approach to allow for flexibility in coding.
RESULTS
RESULTS
Fifty five young people aged 12-21 years of different sexualities, gender and ethnicity took part. Analysis yielded four themes: PA experiences across spaces; resigned to a lack of inclusivity and 'belonging'; safety first; complexities in access and accessibility. Young people felt more comfortable to be active in spaces that were simpler to navigate, particularly outdoor locations largely based in nature. In contrast, local gyms and sports clubs, and the school environment in general, were spoken about often in negative terms and as spaces where they experienced insecurity, unsafety or discomfort. It was common for these young people to feel excluded from PA, often linked to their gender and sexuality. Lived experiences or fears of being bullied and harassed in many activity spaces was a powerful message, but in contrast, young people perceived their local youth club as a safe space. Intersecting barriers related to deprivation, gender and sexuality, accessibility, disability, Covid-19, affordability, ethnicity, and proximity of social networks. A need emerged for safe spaces in which young people can come together, within the local community and choose to be active.
CONCLUSIONS
CONCLUSIONS
The overarching concept of 'physical activity insecurity' emerged as a significant concern for the young people in this study. We posit that PA insecurity in this context can be described as a limited or restricted ability to be active, reinforced by worries and lived experiences of feeling uncomfortable, insecure, or unsafe.
Identifiants
pubmed: 38491419
doi: 10.1186/s12889-024-18078-9
pii: 10.1186/s12889-024-18078-9
doi:
Types de publication
Journal Article
Langues
eng
Sous-ensembles de citation
IM
Pagination
813Subventions
Organisme : School for Public Health Research
ID : PD-SPH-2015
Organisme : School for Public Health Research
ID : PD-SPH-2015
Organisme : School for Public Health Research
ID : PD-SPH-2015
Organisme : School for Public Health Research
ID : PD-SPH-2015
Organisme : School for Public Health Research
ID : PD-SPH-2015
Organisme : School for Public Health Research
ID : PD-SPH-2015
Organisme : School for Public Health Research
ID : PD-SPH-2015
Organisme : School for Public Health Research
ID : PD-SPH-2015
Organisme : School for Public Health Research
ID : PD-SPH-2015
Informations de copyright
© 2024. The Author(s).
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