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Beliefs and Perceptions of Physical Activity Among Black Adolescents in South Florida: A Qualitative Study

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Abstract

Introduction

In the United States, non-Hispanic Black adolescents have a significantly higher prevalence of obesity than their peers. Though physical activity (PA) has many benefits, many adolescents fail to engage in adequate amounts of PA. Black adolescents are also more sedentary than those from other races and ethnicities. This study aimed to describe the perceptions, beliefs, and barriers to PA in South Florida Black adolescents.

Methods

Five focus groups were conducted with self-identified non-Hispanic Black adolescents (n = 38) in South Florida. A semi-structured question guide based on the Theory of Planned Behavior was used for group discussions. The open-ended questions addressed adolescents’ (1) attitudes and beliefs toward PA, (2) current PA-related behaviors, and (3) environmental, social, cultural, and racial influences on health behaviors.

Results

The desire to be healthy, thoughts of the future, and self-image were among the reasons participants engaged in PA. Engagement in PA was associated with a positive social environment, including encouragement from family and friends. Race, culture, and social media were also cited as influences on PA. Perceived control beliefs, such as parental pressures and self-discipline, also impacted PA.

Conclusion

Adolescents recognize the importance of PA; however, their behaviors do not reflect this. Barriers and motivators for Black adolescents are multifaceted. It is critical for Public Health practitioners and local legislators to understand the complexities to serve this population. This study’s findings can guide the development of tailored PA and education programs for Black adolescent populations.

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Acknowledgements

The authors thank the students, teachers, administrators, and research assistants who worked on this study. We also acknowledge the FLIPANY organization’s assistance in facilitating this study.

Funding

Dr. Tienna Fenton, PhD received research support from Florida Education Fund’s McKnight Doctoral Fellowship Program.

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  1. Department of Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8Th Street, AHC5, Miami, FL, USA

    Tienna Fenton & Elena Bastida

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Correspondence to Tienna Fenton.

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The Florida International University Institutional Review Board approved the study (#22–0190).

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Informed consent was obtained from all individual participants included in the study. Online consent was received from parents/guardians of participants, and written assent was received from adolescent participants.

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Fenton, T., Bastida, E. Beliefs and Perceptions of Physical Activity Among Black Adolescents in South Florida: A Qualitative Study. J. Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40615-024-02016-x

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