PHYSICAL ACTIVITY GUIDELINE ADHERENCE AMONG CANADIAN IMMIGRANT YOUTH: A QUALITATIVE EXPLORATORY STUDY

Abstract

The Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP) Youth Physical Activity Guidelines are the national criterion standard for youth physical activity. Minimal research exists regarding CSEP Guideline adherence in immigrant youth despite this population’s significance in Canada. The purpose of this study was to foster an understanding of physical activity guideline adherence in Canadian immigrant youth. The study objectives were to determine Canadian immigrant youth’s adherence levels, barriers to adherence, recommendations to improve adherence, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on adherence. A qualitative exploratory design was used. Purposive sampling from Edmonton community-agencies occurred to generate a sample of 6 community service-workers who have experience with Canadian immigrant youth and physical activity. Data collection occurred through virtual semi-structured interviews. Data analysis occurred via Braun and Clarke’s Six Thematic Analysis Steps. Three primary themes emerged: (1) Multiple Barriers to CSEP Guideline Adherence including low familiarity with physical activity, inaccessibility, finances, and competing responsibilities, (2) Low Adherence Level to CSEP Guidelines indicating significant under-adherence that was worsened by the pandemic, and (3) Recommendations to improve CSEP Guideline Adherence include increase accessibility to physical activities, increase education, and promote mentorship. This study’s findings can optimize nursing health promotion efforts and organizational policies, inform health promotion protocols in nursing education, and guide further research that would enhance the breadth of current literature. Collectively, this study helps provide a foundation for promoting the health of Canadian immigrant youth.