Experiences, Barriers and Facilitators to Walking as a form of Physical Activity among Residents of a Large Urban Area in Nepal: A Qualitative Study

Introduction Walking is a common activity and an affordable form of exercise feasible for people of all ages and circumstances. Given the onslaught of non-communicable diseases, strategies to promote physical activity such as walking should be based on good quality evidence. This study explored the experiences, and the barriers and facilitators towards walking among urban residents. Methods An exploratory qualitative study method with one-to-one in-depth interviews were carried out with participants aged 22 to 80 of both sexes to explore the experiences, facilitators and barriers faced by participants. Results Participants had a positive attitude to walking and had incorporated it in their daily lives, but only few participants did it as an exercise. Role models, availability of public transport, negative reinforcement due to health condition, mental well-being, and walking being a social and enjoyable activity were the facilitators. Vehicle ownership, poor infrastructure, dangerous roads, social norms and stigma and lack of willpower were main barriers. Conclusion In order to promote walking as a form of physical activity the social aspects of walking such as walking as a form of socializing, taking measures to incorporate walking into people’s daily lives or commute, and highlighting the mental health benefits of walking have to be carried out rather than promoting walking just as a form of physical activity.