Socioeconomic status and self-perceived barriers to leisure time physical activity in Finnish Roma

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Finnish Roma are at unequal socioeconomic position compared to the main population. Inequality has a key impact on the well-being and lifestyles of the Roma. The main aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of leisure time physical activity (LTPA) in the Finnish Roma. In addition, we investigated the relationship between socioeconomic factors and self-perceived barriers to leisure time physical activity to leisure time physical inactivity. Methods This study was based on cross-sectional data on the Roma Wellbeing Study (Roosa) collected in 2017-2018 (n = 365). Data of the study was collected by a long or a short questionnaire, with structured interview or completed by the respondent. The subsample of this study was limited to adult Roma living in Finland, identifying themselves with Roma culture (n = 344; men n = 134 and women n = 210). The data was analyzed by cross-tabulation, χ2-test and using logistic regression analysis. Men's and women's results are presented separately as odds ratios (OR) and with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results In this study 46.7% of men and 64.3% of women did not engage leisure time physical activity. The self-perceived barriers to leisure time physical activity differ between men and women. Common barriers were lack of motivation, fatigue and low mood. In men, self-perceived barriers to leisure time physical activity were also illness or injury, lack of money and exercise guidance. In women, other self-perceived barriers were lack of exercise skills, suitable exercise group and form of exercise. Conclusions The low prevalence of leisure time physical activity in the Finnish Roma calls for actions. The socioeconomic inequalities and differences between men's and women's self-perceived barriers to leisure-time physical activity should be taken into account in measures to promote physical activity. Key messages In this study, nearly half of the Finnish Roma men and three out of five women did not engage in leisure time physical activity. The socioeconomic inequalities and self-perceived barriers to leisure time physical activity between Finnish Roma men and women should be taken into account in measures to promote physical activity.