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Not quite city and not quite rural: Active lifestyle beliefs in peri‐urban Australians
Author(s) -
Olson Jenny L.,
March Sonja,
Clough Bonnie,
Biddle Stuart J. H.,
Ireland Michael
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
health promotion journal of australia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.515
H-Index - 32
eISSN - 2201-1617
pISSN - 1036-1073
DOI - 10.1002/hpja.234
Subject(s) - thematic analysis , intrapersonal communication , gerontology , interpersonal communication , health promotion , physical activity , psychology , medicine , public health , qualitative research , social psychology , sociology , nursing , social science , physical medicine and rehabilitation
Issue addressed Residents of peri‐urban Australia face health inequalities compared to city dwellers. Active lifestyles provide many benefits that could improve the health of this population; however, peri‐urban Australians are more likely to be inactive and sedentary. The aim of this study was to identify the physical activity and sedentary behaviour‐related beliefs of peri‐urban Australians. Methods Semi‐structured interviews were undertaken with adult residents of peri‐urban, southern Queensland. Participants (N = 8) were recruited from a related study, purposefully selected to ensure diversity. Data were analysed by thematic analysis. Interviews were conducted until data and inductive‐thematic saturation were reached. Results Three themes were identified, representing beliefs about intrapersonal, interpersonal/socio‐cultural and physical environmental factors relevant to active lifestyles among peri‐urban Australians. Active lifestyle behaviours were perceived as beneficial for health. Social interaction was described as an important outcome of physical activity. Features of the physical environment negatively impacted the perceived difficulty of performing physical activity and avoiding sedentary behaviour. Conclusions Active lifestyle strategies that support social interaction through physical activity and participation in sports may be particularly useful in peri‐urban environments where opportunities for social interaction are limited. Such strategies should also take into account contextual factors that negatively impact active lifestyle control beliefs (eg, distance). So what? This study provides insight into factors that may influence the active lifestyles of peri‐urban Australians. This information can be used to develop contextually relevant strategies designed to encourage physical activity, discourage sedentary behaviour and assist to relieve health disparities faced by this population.