Difference in Needs for Physical Activity Among Healthy Women, Women with Physical Limitations and Korean Immigrant Women

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this study was to explore the difference in needs for physical activity among healthy women, women with physical limitations, and Korean immigrant women in the U.S., and a significant association between needs for physical activity and other sociodemographic and contextual variables.

Methods Healthy Korean women (n = 53), women with physical limitations (n = 51), and Korean immigrant women in the U.S. (n = 54) were recruited using a convenience sampling method. The settings included cultural centers in Seoul, S University Hospital in Seoul, Korea, and Korean ethnic churches in California. Data on sociodemographic characteristics and needs for physical activity were collected using questionnaires. Group difference in needs for physical activity and difference in needs for physical activity according to sociodemographic and contextual variables were determined.

Results There were significant differences in 11 needs for physical activity among the three groups (p < .05). The needs for physical activity were significantly different (p < .05) according to the categories of needs; affiliation, accomplishment and autonomy needs among the three groups. The needs for physical activity were significantly different (p < .05) according to sociodemographic and contextual variables.

Conclusion Three groups of women had different needs for physical activity, and their needs for physical activity were influenced by multiple factors reflecting their daily lives in immigration transition and health/illness transition.