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Table 6 HRPs’ perceptions of barriers and proposed solutions for increasing physical activity opportunities for SED mothers

From: Individual, social and environmental factors influencing physical activity levels and behaviours of multiethnic socio-economically disadvantaged urban mothers in Canada: A mixed methods approach

Perceived barriers of health and recreational professionals

Proposed solutions and examples

Misconceptions and stereotype of who is socio-economically disadvantaged

Talk with SED mothers and assess (through women-specific physical activity survey tools) what are appropriate activities for their different cultural, age and life situations. Assess what they would like to do; what their barriers and limitations are; and how physical activity fits into their culture.

Not enough program leaders who understand SED mothers and their needs

Develop mentorship programs for participants in Women’s Only physical activity/exercise programs (e.g. Women Alive) to become an instructor and teach the program.

 

Offer on-going support to the trainees.

 

Invite SED mothers to participate in physical activity program development

Insufficient financial resources for physical activity programs for SED mothers

Generate more funding and foster a greater understanding from municipal parks and recreational groups that having SED mothers physical activity programs will profit the community by being more welcoming to everyone.

Lack of partnership between health and Recreation professionals

Individual organizations need to create partner networks to work together to create physical activities that are coordinated, connected, responsive, effective and sustainable. This requires collaboration and coordination between those who have the recreation facilities, and those who have the communication and capacity-building in the community.

 

Public health can pay for instructors and supply the in-person support needed for the group.

 

Offer programs at times when there is childcare available and a convenient time for the mothers rather than when the recreation center is not busy or it is not their most profitable time.

SED mothers feel intimidated by some leaders

Set the goal to have fun. Build a sense of belonging and security. Hire welcoming and non-judgmental leaders.

 

Hire leaders who understand SED mothers i.e. having people leading who have had the experience in your own community will result in an immediate bond and better understanding of the immediate issues SED mothers face.

Not enough mental health workers

More mental health workers to help SED mothers overcome some of the mental health barriers post-partum mothers experience.

Lack of Francophone physical activity resources in Alberta

Integrate Francophone programs into recreation centres;

 

Hire bilingual professionals and recruit bilingual volunteers to contribute to physical activity programs;

 

Political request for bilingual services for all Francophone Canadians (not just immigrant Francophone) within the Francophone community in Alberta potentially using Centre Accueil Nouveaux Arrivants Francophones (CANAF)