Abstract
Studies of geographical variations in physical activity behaviours have suggested that activity levels are particularly low in areas that have undergone employment loss associated with the decline of industry. This is of concern given that affected populations are already at risk of poor health. Applying focus group methodology amongst 19 participants in four groups, this study aims to unpack how broader societal and environmental changes associated with industrial decline affect beliefs and attitudes towards physical activity in ex-mining communities in the North-East of England. Identified core themes comprise the direct impact of deindustrialisation on social and physical environments. Based on our findings, we provide evidence for mechanisms that operate via loss of occupational physical activity as well as the progressive development of environments that are not fit to support population activity levels. Particularly important was the loss of recreational facilities, public green spaces and sports facilities that were owned and organised by the miners themselves with support from the mining companies. Attitudes and beliefs directly related to the areas' industrial past were also seen to be key. We suggest that the development of interventions considering the socio-cultural history and socio-economic reality of communities could be a promising route to encourage more active lifestyles in deprived areas with particularly low levels of physical activity.
Highlights
In recent decades, levels of physical activity (PA) have declined considerably throughout many European countries (World Health Organisation, 2006)
This study explores the implications of industrial decline on the opportunities for physical activity and attitudes towards activity of the residents of effected areas
By undertaking focus groups with 19 residents of ex-mining communities in the North-East region of England, we aim to gather a better understanding of how the process of employment decline in the physically demanding mining industry may have led to structural, socio-cultural and environmental changes in former pit communities, and whether this may have contributed to the generation of cultures of non-participation in PA
Summary
Levels of physical activity (PA) have declined considerably throughout many European countries (World Health Organisation, 2006). In England, activity participation is low, and in 2012 60% of the population did not achieve the recommended levels of PA, a figure that has not changed substantially since 2008 (Craig et al, 2009; Health and Social Care Information Centre, 2013). Previous work has illustrated that the populations of English districts that have undergone a particular strong transition from industrial to postindustrial economies are more likely to report low levels of PA than those which have not seen such changes (Blaxter, 1990, Ellis et al, 2007; Rind et al, 2014). The authors have previously described substantial geographical variations in recreational PA in England (Rind and Jones, 2011).
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