Public Health ·
Qualitative study identifies barriers to physical activity among Kerala police officers
A descriptive qualitative study explored physical activity among police officers aged 30–55 years in 14 stations in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. Interviews and focus groups identified work demands, stress and time constraints as barriers, alongside personal and peer-related facilitators.
- Shift work, stress and job demands were reported as barriers.
- Time constraints and competing obligations also impeded activity.
- Fitness expectations, self-efficacy and peers were facilitators.
- Qualitative findings do not establish intervention effectiveness.
Researchers used a descriptive qualitative design to explore perceived barriers and facilitators to physical activity among in-station police officers aged 30–55 years in Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala. Data came from 15 in-depth interviews and four focus group discussions across 14 police stations and were analyzed thematically.
Participants described shift work, job demands, stress, inadequate sleep, an unfavourable work environment and low motivation as barriers. Time constraints, limited self-management skills and prioritizing family or social obligations over personal health were also reported. Facilitators included occupational expectations of fitness, positive attitudes, self-efficacy, peer influence and concern about or experience of disease.
The findings point to both individual and workplace factors that may inform physical-activity initiatives for police personnel. This qualitative study reports participants’ perceptions; it does not measure activity levels or test an intervention, so it cannot establish which strategies improve activity. The work was funded by the Bernard Lown Scholars in Cardiovascular Health Program; the funders had no direct role in the study, and the authors declared no competing interests.
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BMC Public Health: Sedentary shields: a qualitative exploration of facilitators and barriers of physical activity among policemen in Kerala, India ↗This is an automated AI-condensed summary that has not yet been reviewed by an editor. Always consult the full item at the original source.