ArticlePloS one2018
Arab female and male perceptions of factors facilitating and inhibiting their physical activity: Findings from a qualitative study in the Middle East.
Article in PloS one, 2018. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 25 papers, 3 of them syntheses that pooled it.
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Who cites it
25 citing papers in PubMed, 3 syntheses or guidelines pooled it.
- Physical activity wishes of people with excess body weight - a qualitative systematic review.BMC public health · 2026Pooled it
- A mixed methods systematic review of mental health self-care strategies for Arabic-speaking refugees and migrants.BMC public health · 2023Pooled it
- A systematic review of qualitative studies exploring the factors influencing the physical activity levels of Arab migrants.The international journal of behavioral nutrition and physical activity · 2021Pooled it
- Feasibility and acceptability of a culturally tailored physical activity intervention for Arab-Australian women.BMC women's health · 2021Trial
- Exercise Perceptions, Barriers, and Self-Efficacy Among Adults in Kuwait During the COVID-19 Pandemic.International journal of environmental research and public health · 2026Article
- The Effects of the Mamanet Cachibol League Intervention Program on Perceived Health Status, Mental Health, and Healthy Lifestyle Among Arab Women.Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland) · 2025Article
- Concurrent validity between self-reported International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form and Fibion accelerometer data among young adults in the UAE.European journal of medical research · 2024Article
- The Arabic Version of Compulsive Exercise Test among Saudi Population; Translation and Validation.Sports (Basel, Switzerland) · 2024Article
- Predictors and disturbances of sleep quality between men and women: results from a cross-sectional study in Jordan.BMC psychiatry · 2024Article
- Health and quality of life among women after participation in a CBPR-informed physical activity intervention: with a pandemic perspective.Scientific reports · 2023Article
- Association of Sociodemographic Factors with Physical Activity and Sleep Quality in Arab and Non-Arab Individuals of Both Sexes during the COVID-19 Pandemic.Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland) · 2023Article
- Lifestyle Interventions for Prevention and Management of Diet-Linked Non-Communicable Diseases among Adults in Arab Countries.Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland) · 2022Review
- Hypertension in the Middle East: current state, human factors, and barriers to control.Journal of human hypertension · 2022Review
- A combined healthy lifestyle score in relation to glioma: a case-control study.Nutrition journal · 2022Article
- Exploring Female University Students' Participation in Physical Activity in Saudi Arabia: A Mixed-Methods Study.Frontiers in public health · 2022Article
- Article
- Linking Exercise Intention to Exercise Action: The Moderating Role of Self-Efficacy.Frontiers in psychology · 2022Article
- A national and sub-national metaregression of the trend of insufficient physical activity among Iranian adults between 2001 and 2016.Scientific reports · 2021Article
- A Qualitative Study of Barriers and Enablers of Physical Activity among Female Emirati University Students.International journal of environmental research and public health · 2021Article
- Impact of Endometriosis in Women of Arab Ancestry on: Health-Related Quality of Life, Work Productivity, and Diagnostic Delay.Frontiers in global women's health · 2021Article
Corrections and comments
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Authors and funding
7 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
objectivesPhysical inactivity is a leading global risk to health by contributing to obesity and other chronic diseases. Many chronic non-communicable diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), can be prevented and controlled by modifying lifestyle behaviors such as physical activity [PA]. However, prevalence of insufficient physical activity and obesity is high in the Middle East Region. In Qatar, the incidence rates of CVDs, diabetes, colon, and breast cancer have been rising rapidly. The purpose of this study was to explore facilitators and barriers influencing PA of adult Arab men and women living in Qatar and to understand what they think would be helpful to increase PA. The goal of the research is to identify culturally appropriate and effective interventions that improve the health of Arab population.
designUsing the socioecological model as the theoretical framework, we conducted an exploratory qualitative study with 128 Arab adult men and women living in Qatar. We utilized focus group interviews to collect the data and performed thematic analysis to generate themes.
resultsAt the individual level, perceived benefits of PA, presence of diseases, person's will, motivation and goals, and time to exercise influenced the individual's PA. At the sociocultural level, religious teachings of Islam, cultural, attitude, beliefs, and practices, and informal support influenced the participants' PA. At the organizational and political level, physical environment to exercise, accessibility of facilities, organizational support, and health information about PA influenced their PA.
conclusionArab men and women are aware of the importance and benefits of PA. They have the motivation to be physically active, but in the absence of supportive environment, their knowledge might not translate into action. Creating supportive environments at multiple levels that are conducive to PA is warranted.
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