Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour (PASB)

In addition to the general dimension of terminology and knowledge of physical activity, another significant general dimension shown was the relationship between physical activity and sedentary behaviour. Under this general dimension theme, three higher order themes were figured out from the responses of the participants (three for men and three for boys). These higher order themes in men and boys were satisfied with physical activity,

unsatisfied with activity level and physical activity level in the UK and country of origin.

The majority of men expressed that they found their physical activity levels insufficient. This was seen as a result of the fact they were sitting for long periods of time watching TV (n=9), using computers (n=9) and using the PlayStation (n=3). Manson et al. (2004) also found the most common reasons why men tend to be physically inactive are the over-use of computers and television. Furthermore, Hu et al. (2001) found that television viewing, as a sedentary behaviour, is among the greatest risk factors for the development of obesity and cardiovascular diseases. In this context there is an overlap between sedentary behaviour and physical inactivity. Although “sedentary behaviour” and “physical inactivity” are often used interchangeably in the literature, it is important to note the

difference between these two concepts (DOH, 2010). Physical inactivity indicates an insufficient level of physical activity (which might, for example, be defined as not meeting recommended guidelines). Sedentary behaviour on the other hand “is not simply a lack of

physical activity but is a cluster of individual behaviours where sitting or lying is the dominant mode of posture and energy expenditure is very low.” (DOH, 2011, p.10).

Therefore, it is possible for people to engage in excessive sedentary behaviour but also be physically active (e.g. the office worker who sits at their desk all day then goes to the gym every evening). In the current study however, participants who were dissatisfied with their physical activity levels related this to the fact they engaged in many sedentary behaviours.

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This could be explained by the fact television viewing promotes and actually encourages inactivity and sitting for long periods of time, reducing the person’s physical activity, and

thus depriving the person of a good opportunity to engage with physical activities that will be beneficial for their health.

While most boys were satisfied with their physical activity levels, some reported doing less than they would like due to spending a lot of time playing video games (n=3) focussing on study (n=2) or being injured (n=1). Video games are attractive to children, who have been found to concentrate on these games to the extent that they forget to perform physical activity (Smith & Biddle, 2008).

In the Arabic culture there is a large focus on academic study, with parents putting pressures on their children to complete homework and attend additional classes (Garrett, 2006). For some children this includes going to the Arabic school over the weekends; thus again limiting the available time for physical activity.

There was some consensus in views between parents and their sons who were not satisfied with their physical activity levels and the reasons behind it, for example, sitting for long periods in front of the TV, and this may be caused by the reflection of the fathers’

behaviour on their sons. The participants who were satisfied with their physical activity levels took part in a variety of activities. For the men these included active transport (n=3), active jobs (n=3), housework (n=2) and going to the gym (n=1). These responses coincided with the findings of Lakka et al. (1992) as the activities that people most often perform to keep themselves physically active.

However, although five respondents expressed that they had enough physical activity, two of them felt the positive effects of physical activity may be negated by an increase in

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energy consumption after doing physical activity “I am doing a good physical activity, but

I compensate that by over-eating”. Consequently, this brings to light the fact that physical

activity in itself could not guarantee that health and lifestyle-related disease prevention. Care and attention must also be given to the person’s diet and habits. Nevertheless,

physical activity does have numerous benefits, especially in maintaining health (Peterson

et al. 2006). Most of the boys in the study were satisfied with their levels of physical

activity, citing active transport (n=1) and sport (n=7) as their main means of being active.

Another theme that arose during the focus groups concerned how participants perceived their physical activity levels when in the UK compared with their physical activity levels when in their country of origin. While the majority of boys reported being more physically active in the UK, men’s responses were mixed. A slightly greater number of men

articulated that they were more physically active in their countries (n=9), as compared to those who said that they were less active in their countries (n=7). It is possible this reflects a difference in the way Arabic males living in the UK deal with the British lifestyle. For example, some participants were able to take advantage of the facilities available in the UK to be more physically active such as going to the gyms available in many areas of Liverpool. Additionally the green areas such as public parks provide a good opportunity to walk around or engage in physical activity, as well as large shopping centres that promote walking. Some participants described being unable to manage their time when they were in their Arabic countries due to social commitments (which would be less while living in the UK). Furthermore, the cost of owning a car in the UK and the difficulty of getting a full UK driving license led most Arabic males to use public transport, which in turn encouraged them to walk to bus stops and to reach their destinations. Even those who had a car preferring to walk to the city centre rather than drive, due to the lack of free car parks.

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Many participants who were more physically active in their countries put this down to lack of time during their life in the UK (particularly for the full time students) while several participants expressed their resentment with the weather, which they saw as a barrier to physical activity.

Although the difference between the participants whom were more physically active in their countries and the other participants was not considerable numerically, it reflects a difference in the way Arabic males living in the UK deal with the British lifestyle. This could be due to the diversity of Arabic countries from which the participants had moved, where cultural, environmental and other factors might affect the way men adapt to the British culture.

Most of the boys in the study expressed that the environment in the UK enabled them to be more physically active compared to living in their countries of origin. For example, they reported having a good opportunity to perform diverse types of physical activity during sport education lessons (In my country I don’t do too much physical activity during sport

education lesson like what I do here) (n=9). Conversely, the boys who said that they were

more active in their countries gave reasons that they could not go out to play with the English boys because their parents were afraid problems might occur with them (e.g. “Because my parents are afraid of problems with other English boys and youths; they are

prevent me from going out and playing with them”). These types of parental perceptions

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Figure 4.5 The general dimension theme of Positives of Physical Activity (PPA) for men. Benefits of PA

I feel my mind is actively n=3 {when I do a PA I feel that my mental activity rate is very high} I feel self-confident

n=3{When my physical fitness high I feel that I am very confident}

I feel healthier n=10 {When I do exercise I feel that I am in a good health}

I feel active to do everything n=9 {I feel that I am able to do anything and lift anything}

Less susceptible to diseases and injuries n=3{when my physical fitness high that

protects me of injuries such as muscle tension}

Positives of Physical Activity (PPA) Facilitators for PA Religion n=16{our religion encourages us to do sport} Enjoyment n=8{I enjoy

a lot going out with my family to the city centre and shopping, walking}

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