Background
Methods
Study design
Recruitment
Data collection
Qualitative
Quantitative
Analysis
Qualitative
Quantitative
Results
Qualitative
Subtheme | Category | Example meaning unit |
---|---|---|
Preferred types of physical activity (N = 205 MU, N = 10 FG) | Daily chores (N = 36 MU, N = 10 FG) | Sweeping, sweeping in the morning, for exercise. |
Walking (N = 31 MU, N = 9 FG) | I always walk, walking everyday… [inaudible] wherever I’m going I walk. | |
Dancing (N = 24 MU, N = 10 FG) | Dancing, using dance for exercises…when you dance to music... all of that is exercise. | |
Jumping (N = 16 MU, N = 7 FG) | Using the skipping rope [is exercise]… | |
Press-ups (N = 13 MU, N = 5 FG) | Yes, even press ups and … you can strengthen your muscles. | |
Lifting weights (N = 11 MU, N = 4 FG) | And then weight lifting [I would do for exercise]. | |
Jogging (N = 9 MU, N = 6 FG) | The exercise we know in Ghana here is jogging. | |
Team sports (N = 7 MU, N = 4 FG) | I do some small volley. | |
Stretching (N = 6 MU, N = 3 FG) | I would also want to stretch my arms… stretching my neck. | |
Abdominal exercises (N = 5 MU, N = 4 FG) | Twisting the waist [you can do for exercise]. | |
Other aerobic exercise (N = 4 MU, N = 4 FG) | Swimming too, swimming too…. He wants a swimming pool … we don’t know how to swim, we live here, but we don’t know how to swim. | |
Other strength training (N = 4 MU, N = 4 FG) | I do a lot of muscle strengthening activities, but it’s not weightlifting. | |
Tennis (N = 3 MU, N = 1 FG) | If you know how to play long tennis [for exercise]. | |
Barriers to physical activity (N = 157 MU, N = 10 FG) | Lack of equipment (N = 48 MU, N = 10 FG) | The environment, here we don’t have the means, see the machines we don’t have them, so you wouldn’t know where [to exercise]. |
Ill health (N = 25 MU, N = 9 FG) | Like maybe you are sick [so you cannot do physical activity]. | |
Laziness (N = 24 MU, N = 9 FG) | One big hindrance [to exercising] will be laziness. | |
Lack of time (N = 19 MU, N = 8 FG) | In our setting, for instance, even though we are retired, there are other activities, sometimes you would be required to move, around 5:30, you are going to a family house somewhere, you are traveling, you are doing this, so many other activities, so actually, there would not be the time for you to be doing these things. Except on very few occasions, that you will have time for yourself. | |
Poverty (N = 8 MU, N = 3 FG) | You are living in poverty (laughter). In poverty (laughter). | |
Transportation (N = 8 MU, N = 4 FG) | Means of transport is also I mean very difficult when the exercise is far. Eh you have to get a means of transportation for the old people because not a lot of time they can come to do the exercise. | |
Weather (N = 7 MU, N = 2 FG) | At times when it is rainy season, it makes it very difficult… | |
Lack of appropriate programs (N = 4 MU, N = 3 FG) | [We need something specific for older adults] rather than neglect, total neglect. | |
Tiredness (N = 4 MU, N = 3 FG) | But after a while me myself I will feel tired. | |
Lack of interest (N = 4 MU, N = 3 FG) | Lack of interest, lack of interest [will prevent me from exercising]. | |
Safety concerns (N = 4 MU, N = 2 FG) | But if you have no other place but, but just walking by the roadside, you have heard several times that people go for walking, they’ve been knock down. | |
Perception of strength training (N = 3 MU, N = 3 FG) | As for me, I don’t like muscle training… | |
Facilitators to physical activity (N = 94 MU, N = 10 FG) | Determination (N = 37 MU, N = 8 FG) | You have to be determine, it’s determination that we are talking about, determination, the will power, that is determination. If you have the determination, you have the will power to do it. |
Routine (N = 27 MU, N = 10 FG) | Well, I said that, you know, you’ve been doing this for a while, and you feel good when you do it, so skipping for a day will make you have a nagging feeling of missing something, because it has become part of you, and so you will … | |
Music (N = 9 MU, N = 6 FG) | Music…. motives me… to exercise, yes, yes. | |
Family support (N = 7 MU, N = 4 FG) | If you have children too, then you will let them be part of it. Sometimes they will even prompt you, let’s go and do this | |
Healthy diet (N = 6 MU, N = 2 FG) | Then, uh, you know, diet has a lot in influence on our body. | |
Keep Fit club (N = 5 MU, N = 4 FG) | So please, know that we have just formed a Keep Fit club in the church. We will meet at least once a month. | |
Good health (N = 3 MU, N = 2 FG) | When you are healthy [you can meet physical activity recommendations]. | |
Benefits of physical activity (N = 90 MU, N = 10 FG) | Overall health (N = 16 MU, N = 8 FG) | You become healthy, healthier than normal [when you exercise]. |
Strength (N = 15 MU, N = 7 FG) | For people who are not strong, it [being physically active] helps strengthen your muscles and makes you stronger. | |
Heart health (N = 13 MU, N = 6 FG) | [Exercise] makes your heart good strong. | |
Weight management (N = 9 MU, N = 4 FG) | And, [exercise] also helps to reduce weight too. | |
Sweating (N = 7 MU, N = 6 FG) | Well, I think that exercising allows you to sweat. | |
Fitness (N = 6 MU, N = 4 FG) | [And if you exercise] it helps you to get fit. | |
Mental health (N = 6 MU, N = 2 FG) | There is another type of issue, generally as we interact during that, you know, period of exercising emotionally you realize that people get over uh... some of the emotional problems. Like if they are widows amongst us, if they are people who are being stressed out and all those kind of things, it will help. | |
Long life (N = 6 MU, N = 3 FG) | We will be able to live long [if we exercise]. | |
Sleep (N = 4 MU, N = 2 FG) | You will be able to sleep [if you exercise]. | |
Diabetes management (N = 3 MU, N = 2 FG) | Your sugar level also, can can can come down [if you exercise]. | |
Osteoporosis prevention (N = 3 MU, N = 2 FG) | [Exercise] makes your bones strong. | |
Joint health (N = 2 MU, N = 2 FG) | When you exercise, it strengthens your joints. | |
Factors that would encourage physical activity participation (N = 89 MU, N = 9 FG) | Peer influence (N = 25 MU, N = 8 FG) | What will convince me is when I see my age mates engage in these exercises without suffering any adverse effects, such as bodily pains. I believe that will convince me to exercise. |
Health care provider recommendation (N = 15 MU, N = 6 FG) | When I visit the hospital, the doctor can let me know that I need to exercise, so the doctor can convince me to exercise. | |
Gradual progress (N = 14 MU, N = 7 FG) | And when you do it [exercise] and you feel it… that is going on well for you, you are motivated to do more. | |
Physical appearance (N = 14 MU, N = 4 FG) | Okay…when you see how the body is like, it will convince you [to do muscle strengthening activities]…yeh. | |
Focus group information (N = 11 MU, N = 6 FG) | What I want to say is that, in fact, on the whole the program has been educative and very err, errr, very successful. We want to, on behalf of the church, thank you and your colleagues for bringing this program to our doorstep, and we promise as a church, that we are going to start a Keep Fit club in the church, so that every weekend or once in a month we will meet as a church members, exercise our bodies, so that we can grow healthy, and then live long. | |
TV programs (N = 7 MU, N = 6 FG) | When you watch the TV, you can see people of the same age as you exercising and that person will be healthy and you sit down and ask yourself why are these people doing it and I am not? | |
Existing knowledge (N = 3 MU, N = 2 FG) | I don’t think we need anybody to convince us. We know that it’s [exercise] necessary. | |
Current timing, location, and frequency of physical activity (N = 60 MU, N = 9 FG) | Time of day (N = 32 MU, N = 9 FG) Morning (N = 26) Evening (N = 5) Any time (N = 1) | You know, I think it is better in the morning, before you take your bath. |
Location (N = 23 MU, N = 7 FG) Home (N = 17) Gym (N = 2) Mountains (N = 2) Streets (N = 1) Church (N = 1) | At times, in my bedroom, or in the hall [I would do aerobic exercise]. | |
Frequency (N = 5 MU, N = 2 FG) Four days a week (N = 3) Three days a week (N = 1) Daily 1 (N = 1) | [I will do exercise] and will do it four days in the week. | |
Physical activity recommendations (N = 52 MU, N = 9 FG) | Positive perception (N = 23 MU, N = 7 FG) | It’s ok. If you are able to do at least 30 min even a day, iii is good it’s good for the body |
Concern about age appropriateness (N = 20 MU, N = 7 FG) | [I] feel it’s [the recommendations] a bit harsh. As elderly as I am, it’s harsh. If you are about 90 years. | |
Neutral perception (N = 6 MU, N = 4 FG) | We, we are saying that [exercise] should be in moderation. | |
Negative perception (N = 6 MU, N = 3 FG) | You cannot do it [meet physical activity recommendations]. | |
Potential negative consequences of physical activity (N = 50 MU, N = 10 FG) | Injury (N = 16 MU, N = 8 FG) | It [exercise] may even cause them [your joints] to dislocate. |
Soreness (N = 14 MU, N = 7 FG) | Initially, you also feel the pains, the pains [if you exercise]. | |
Lose weight (N = 7 MU, N = 2 FG) | Your weight...that is if you do exercise you become [too] slim. | |
Heart problems (N = 5 MU, N = 4 FG) | Palpitate… some people palpitate [during exercise]… | |
Lack of energy (N = 5 MU, N = 4 FG) | It [physical activity] may not give you enough energy to work. | |
Difficulty sleeping (N = 3 MU, N = 1 FG) | Please, I learnt that when you do it [exercise] in the evening, it makes your sleep to be very difficult… that’s what I learnt. |
Subtheme | Category | Example meaning unit |
---|---|---|
Meeting preferences (N = 142 MU, N = 10 FG) | Program location (N = 67 MU, N = 10 FG) Church (N = 27) Park (N = 12) Diabetes hospital (N = 6) Field (N = 4) Gym (N = 4) Conference room (N = 3) Spacious place (N = 2) Stadium (N = 2) Close to home (N = 3) Clubhouse (N = 1) Car park (N = 1) Community center (N = 1) Depends on program (N = 1) | If you are living around this place, perhaps you can use the Church [for an exercise program]. |
Program frequency (N = 38 MU, N = 10 FG) Once a week (N = 24) Three times a week (N = 10) Twice a week (N = 6) Once a month (N = 4) Twice a month (N = 2) Daily (N = 1) Holidays (N = 1) | Once a week, you will got the office from Monday to Friday, on Sunday too, you must prepare for church, so Saturday is good for that. | |
Program duration (N = 37 MU, N = 9 FG) One hour (N = 18 MU) Two hours (N = 10 MU) Thirty minutes (N = 5 MU) Ninety minutes (N = 4 MU) | One, one hour will be okay [for the class]. | |
Need for education N = 110 MU N = 10 FG | Nutrition (N = 62 MU, N = 9 FG) | You will need to have someone teach us about what foods are good for us, and what foods are not. So if, we have someone who leads us in this direction, we will become more careful with our eating habits, even help with the supply of foods, such as the fruits that they talk about, that will help us. |
Types of physical activity (N = 23 MU, N = 9 FG) | She is asking if she can lie down and do [aerobic activity in bed]. | |
Ministry of Health involvement (N = 7 MU, N = 4 FG) | I also think that if it’s a recommendation, then they [Ministry of Health] should educate the public. Because this is the first time I’m hearing from you. | |
Lack of information (N = 7 MU, N = 5FG) | I don’t get any health information from anybody… | |
Benefits of physical activity (N = 5MU, N = 5 FG) | Also, I would like to be told what the negative consequences of not engaging in exercises may be. | |
Injury / illness considerations (N = 4MU, N = 3 FG) | Okay, please, we mentioned several exercises that we could do, and my question is that for someone who may have a problem such as a bad knee and therefore cannot do certain exercises, are you able to provide any recommendations, as to what exercise may be appropriate? | |
Unsafe recommendations (N = 2 MU, N = 2 FG) | We are also advice to walk barefooted but our foot can be pierced by broken glass or any harmful item. So in fact this sickness of ours [diabetes] has become a sickness you can’t really understand and we don’t know the where about of it. | |
Leader preferences N = 109 MU N = 10 FG | Qualifications (N = 65 MU, N = 10 FG) Trained instructor (N = 26 MU) Peer leader (N = 24 MU) PE teacher (N = 9 MU) Resource person (N = 4 MU) Health care provider (N = 2 MU) | Anybody who is well-versed in that act, in physical education can lead us. He would know what ages and what exercises to apply for us. |
Age preference (N = 24 MU, N = 8 FG) Same age (N = 10 MU) Younger (N = 6 MU) Any age (N = 8 MU) | One this is if the instructor is below 40 years of age, he will kill us [laughter] yes, it’s true [amid laughter] because the young can bend and they will be asking us to bend also you know [laughter]. | |
Traits (N = 16 MU, N = 5 FG) Knowledgeable (N = 5) Organized (N = 4) Enjoyable (N = 3) Strong (N = 2) Active (N = 1) Encouraging (N = 1) | Those who have the knowledge and skill in training people [should teach the class]. | |
Gender preference (N = 4 MU, N = 3 FG) Same gender (N = 2) Any gender (N = 2) | …but a man should train a man and a woman should train a woman. | |
Need for group- based program N = 72 MU N = 9 FG | Motivation (N = 19 MU, N = 7 FG) | It [group physical activity] encourages you to do more. |
Group cohesion (N = 13 MU, N = 4FG) | You have the same family, what concerns one also concerns you. | |
Group norms (N = 11 MU, N = 6 FG) | …I would encourage the members to be punctual, to be punctual, I’ll encourage the members to be punctual. | |
Positive perception (N = 10 MU, N = 6FG) | So if you have a group that you can engage in the exercise with, it helps a lot. | |
Accountability (N = 8 MU, N = 5 FG) | The group is the best because, if you are lazy to go, they will come and call you hahaha yes. They will come to you, that one also. | |
Enjoyment (N = 8 MU, N = 5 FG) | When we work together, it will help us, and we will be happy. | |
Distinctiveness (N = 3 MU, N = 3 FG) | Please, I think things such as clothing and shoes that we will wear for the program, that identifies us to all that we are one group involved in exercise, will help. | |
Delivery method N = 62 MU N = 10 FG | In person (N = 36 MU, N = 9 FG) | So I wanted to say is that, (crosstalk) if the person is standing before you, you have an advantage and if he is explaining, that will help you to better understand what he is saying. But if the information is on CD, you can’t even ask questions. So if the person is before you, that’s the best. |
DVD (N = 6 MU, N = 5 FG) | DVD, because with that you can also see the [exercises demonstrated]... | |
Electronic communication (N = 5 MU, N = 2 FG) | I will prefer information through email. | |
Social media (N = 4 MU, N = 4 FG) | That is very good, it helps [to get information via WhatsApp]. | |
Need trusted sources (N = 3 MU, N=3 FG) | Know the person…qualification, who is talking to you… Facebook, err, online, on those things you don’t know, sometimes they are misleading. | |
Consider cost (N = 3 MU, N = 3 FG) | It is useful but it is expensive, it is expensive, even even how to acquire all those things, even even you tube, you can’t just go there and be watching all these things… even the DVD, the internet work is expensive…but how to maintain them is expensive but it is good. | |
Mass media (N = 3 MU, N = 3 FG) | People do listen to the radio, majority have radio. | |
Individual program (N = 2 MU, N = 1FG) | Well, for me, I don’t believe that you have to join a group before you exercise. You should, yourself, engage in mini exercises. So in my own home, or I can walk. I can do it according to my own song. I don’t look at others to live my life. I do what suits me. | |
Activities N = 60 MU N = 9 FG | Active games (N = 13 MU, N = 7 FG) | Playing ampe [we would do as a group]. |
Health screening (N = 11 MU, N = 7 FG) | And it would be advisable that when you are in a group, sometimes you have, you invite medical… err... doctors, to at least see if we fall in the range, that is they can take our BP they can advise what to do… | |
Physical activity (N = 11 MU, N = 6FG) | [We would do] various exercises that will cater for the whole body. | |
Health talk (N = 9 MU, N = 4 FG) | Sometimes, sometimes we have to invite a resource person, a resource person, to give us some talks. Someone like a doctor. | |
Board games (N = 8 MU, N = 3 FG) | [We would play] ludo, and the draft. | |
Group events (N = 4 MU, N = 3 FG) | At times we’ll also, eat, eating! | |
Prayer (N = 2 MU, N = 2 FG) | And then, as Church members we pray, we pray. After the act...before the activity we pray. After the activity we say a word of prayer before we disperse… | |
Singing (N = 2 MU, N = 2 FG) | We will sing, we learning how to sing. | |
Incentives N = 53 MU N = 10 FG | Refreshments (N = 30 MU, N = 9 FG) Prefer refreshments (N = 28 MU) Refreshments not needed (N = 2 MU) | Oh, maybe [we would have] a fruit juice [as a refreshment]. |
Financial support (N = 15 MU, N = 7FG) | Maybe you can have some dues that you pay, in case there is a problem with any of the members | |
Incentive items (N = 5 MU, N = 3 FG) | Motivation, like getting some t-shirt to wear. | |
Transportation (N = 3 MU, N = 1 FG) | Transportation [will motivate people to get involved in the program]. | |
Group similarity N = 35 MU N = 10 FG | Gender similarity (N = 30 MU, N = 9FG) Mixed-gender (N = 21 MU) Separate gender (N = 6 MU) Blended program (N = 3 MU) | Oh no, it doesn’t matter, when we are all together it’s okay! Men and women, it doesn’t matter at all… everybody can do it. |
Separate by age (N = 5 MU, N = 4FG) | Please, doing it in groups also helps… so like 70 going, their way of exercising, group groups, by age groups. |
Quantitative
Demographic variables | N (%) |
---|---|
Age | |
50–54 | 22 (18) |
55–59 | 25 (21) |
60–64 | 27 (22) |
65–69 | 21 (17) |
70–74 | 15 (12) |
75–80 | 11 (9) |
Sex | |
Male | 52 (43) |
Female | 68 (56) |
Not reported | 1 (1) |
Ethnic Group | |
Akan | 86 (71) |
Ga-Adangbe | 13 (11) |
More than one ethnicity | 9 (7) |
Ewe | 7 (6) |
Guan | 5 (4) |
Other | 1 (1) |
Education level | |
College | 50 (41) |
Secondary high school | 36 (30) |
High school | 17 (14) |
Primary school | 14 (12) |
No formal education | 3 (2) |
Not reported | 1 (1) |
Employment status | |
Currently working | 51 (42) |
Retired | 41 (34) |
Not currently working | 22 (18) |
A homemaker | 6 (4) |
Disabled/unable to work | 1 (1) |
Never worked | 0 (0) |
Marital status | |
Married | 86 (71) |
Widowed | 20 (17) |
Divorced | 8 (7) |
Single | 4 (3) |
Living with partner | 2 (2) |
Separated | 1 (1) |