Factors affecting physical activity of recuperating alcoholics in Asumbi-Homabay rehabiliation center, Kenya

Abstract

Background: Alcoholism is a widespread problem in Kenya and is associated with severe impacts on health and quality of life of the individual. Physical activity is an affordable and sustainable adjunct treatment option for recuperating alcoholics; however its’ rarely used in rehabilitation of alcoholics in Kenya. Objective: This qualitative study sought to elicit facilitators and barriers that infl uence the practice of physical activity amongst recuperating alcoholics under rehabilitation. Methods: A focus group guide was utilized to gather views and perceptions of 15 alcoholics and 5 health professionals through focus group discussions. Constant comparative approach was used to analyze verbatim transcripts obtained from in-depth interviews. This analysis entailed three stages including open, axial and selective coding. Results: Recuperating alcoholics’ recognized various forms of physical activity to promote mental and physical health during their rehabilitation. Health professionals and signifi cant others considerably supported the recuperating alcoholics to practice physical activity however physical activity facilities and facilitation was lacking in Asumbi rehabilitation center. Conclusion: The rehabilitation centres should have physical activity experts and facilities that can offer individualized physical activity services and support needed by the recuperating alcoholics. Research Article Factors affecting physical activity of recuperating alcoholics in AsumbiHomabay rehabiliation center, Kenya Lucy Amanya Mutuli*, Peter Bukhala and Gordon Nguka Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, 190-50100, Kenya *Address for Correspondence: Lucy Amanya Mutuli, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, 190-50100, Kenya, Email: amanyalucy@yahoo.com Submitted: 24 September 2018 Approved: 23 October 2018 Published: 24 October 2018 Copyright: © 2018 Mutuli LA, et al. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited