Developing culturally appropriate promotion strategies to increase physical activity among older Chinese adults in the UK: a person-based approach
This research is led by Yang Yang as part of her PhD Fellowship. For more information about Yang’s research interests, see our PhD Fellowship page
What are we trying to do?
In line with the UK Medical Research Council (MRC)'s guidance on the development of complex interventions we are utilizing a person-based approach to develop and test culturally appropriate promotion strategies to increase physical activity among older Chinese adults in the UK.
Why is this important?
Participating in daily physical activity is important for older adults to maintain good physical and mental health and social functioning. However, the prevalence of physical inactivity increases with ageing and is considered more prevalent among vulnerable groups.
In the UK, older Chinese adults are among the three ethnic groups with the lowest overall activity levels. Physical activity promotion interventions have been developed; however, no interventions have been specifically designed for older Chinese adults in the UK. As an ethnic minority group, older Chinese adults in the UK may have unique needs.
Therefore, this study aims to understand the barriers and facilitators to engagement in physical activity and to develop culturally sensitive physical activity promotion strategies for older Chinese adults in the UK.
How are we doing it?
We are using a mixed-method approach which includes four studies:
- Study 1 involves a mixed-method systematic review to understand the barriers and facilitators faced by older adults from the Chinese diaspora in engaging in physical activity.
- Study 2 comprises qualitative interviews aimed at understanding the special needs of older Chinese adults in the UK in engaging in physical activity.
- Based on the findings of Studies 1 and 2, Study 3 focuses on developing physical activity promotion strategies with the support of Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) participants.
- Finally, Study 4 entails conducting a feasibility study to test the acceptability and feasibility of the developed strategies among older Chinese adults in the UK.
Who are we working with?
Funding:
This PhD studentship, is one of 6 that has been made available through a partnership between The Dunhill Medical Trust, ourselves at the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Applied Research Collaboration Greater Manchester (ARC-GM), The University of Manchester, and the NIHR Policy Research Unit in Older People and Frailty / Healthy Ageing.
Resources:
Contact information:
PhD Fellow
Yang Yang
yang.yang-30@postgrad.manchester.ac.uk