Attitude toward physical activity among Asian American family caregivers of persons living with dementia.

Abstract

This qualitative study aimed to explore attitudes toward physical activity behaviors in the context of dementia caregiving among Asian Indian, Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese American family caregivers of persons living with dementia. We used qualitative data from verbatim transcripts of current caregivers (N = 21) from focus groups and individual interviews. Ethnically or linguistically matched moderators facilitated focus groups and interviews in four languages. Finalized themes included: (1) Physical activity and exercise are different.; (2) Exercise has many benefits.; (3) Health issues and stress from caregiving demotivate engaging in regular exercise.; (4) Prioritizing and planning exercises are necessary; and (5) Social support is essential to engage in physical activity. Caregiving limits the type of exercise some can do, depending on care recipients' conditions. Efforts to help caregivers prioritize exercise and seek social support from others, including healthcare professionals, would be greatly needed to promote physical activity among this population.