Table 3 Health and Physical activity themes with meaning units, codes and categories derived from the analysis
From: Somali women’s view of physical activity – a focus group study
Meaning units | Code | Category | Theme |
|---|---|---|---|
“We believe in God, he is the one who grants health.” K4* | Health is a gift from God | Faith in God | Health |
“We have thick skin; the sun can penetrate through our skin.” L12* | The sun can penetrate our skin | Misconceptions | |
“My mother used to drink juice with plenty of sugar and tea with a lot of sugar. In Somalia you burnt the calories so my mother had good health.” L14 | Good health despite high intake of sugar | ||
“If I take a walk outside or go to some activity and jump and sweat, my blood circulation and everything works and health also comes.” L4 | Jump and sweat is healthy | Enhancing health | |
“If I do not work out for a long time I cannot even sleep.” L8 | Bad sleep due to no movement | ||
“If gyms are mixed men and women we cannot go, but if the gym is for women only, we could go.” L8 | Gym for women only is a must | Facilitators | Physical activity |
“If somebody ‘holds your hand’ supports you and motivates you, you walk!” K16 | Support is motivational for walking | ||
“I love swimming but my religion does not allow men to mix with men.” K12 | Religion does not allow mixing with men | Factors affecting physical activity | |
“It is winter and it’s too cold to walk, and it’s dark.” P10* | Restrained from walking due to a cold and dark environment | ||
“To get dressed and walk alone I see as the most boring thing ever!” K15 | Walking is boring | ||
“I have the chance to work out, but we Somalis would choose to go to a friend’s house and drink tea with a lot of sugar and chat. There are health benefits in chatting too.” L16 | Chatting takes priority over a workout |