Socio-cultural barriers to physical activity among black isiXhosa speaking professional women in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality

Chronic diseases of lifestyle in South Africa are on the increase, as shown by recent studies. Black women, who have the country’s highest levels of inactivity, overweight and obesity, are particularly at risk. This study used qualitative methods to investigate barriers to physical activity participation in two generations of Black professional women (teachers, nurses, social workers and public managers). The two generations reflect pre- and post-democracy age groups in South Africa. The older generation (n=20), aged 35 to 45 years, spent their formative years in apartheid South Africa, disadvantaged by racial policies. The younger generation (n=27), aged 18 to 21 years, spent their formative years in post-apartheid South Africa, post-1990, under a constitution which guarantees equality and non-discrimination. In-depth qualitative interviews, utilizing an interview guide, were used to collect data from the participants until data saturation was achieved. Data from the interviews were transcribed, analysed and verified in accordance with Cresswell (2003) and Guba’s model of trustworthiness (Krefting, 1991). Three sub-themes were identified relating to barriers to physical activity participation: personal, environmental and socio-cultural factors. The socio-cultural factors, the focus of this article, included the lack of social support, exercise “not being a part of African culture”, traditional gender roles, dress code, exercise associated with the young, exercise associated with undesirable weight loss and “destructive talk” by the community. The findings have highlighted misconceptions about exercise. Conservative socio-cultural barriers will have to be overcome before physical activity is seen as normative behaviour for Black women in a South African context. Key words: Physical activity; Socio-cultural barriers; Black women.