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Qualitative Health Research
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The Influence of Family and Culture on Physical Activity Among Female Adolescents From the Indian Diaspora

Subha Ramanathan

University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Peter R. E. Crocker

University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

In this study we explored the role of personal, familial, and cultural attitudes and social norms for physical activity (PA) on actual PA behavior among female adolescents of the Indian diaspora. Six girls, 15 to 19 years of age, from a spiritual center participated in interviews and a focus group. Data were analyzed using content analysis. Participants were high in familism, and felt that PA was important for physical and mental health, and to strengthen relationships with family. Fathers and brothers were considered most influential on PA patterns. Differentiated gender roles in PA emerged: boys were deemed more aggressive and competitive, and girls were perceived to promote fun-based learning environments. The importance of religion and spirituality as influences on PA emerged among participants with strong affinities for Indian cultures. Results show that cultural heritage impacts PA norms, attitudes, and patterns, and must be considered when evaluating adolescent PA participation in multicultural societies.

Key Words: adolescents • female • culture • exercise • gender • health behavior • values

Qualitative Health Research, Vol. 19, No. 4, 492-503 (2009)
DOI: 10.1177/1049732309332651
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