Exploring Perceptions of Physical Activity and Belonging among Adolescents with Obesity: A Qualitative Study
Abstract Overview
Background: Humans have an innate desire to belong. In comparison to their peers, adolescents with obesity have been found to experience disproportionate levels of loneliness, social isolation, and discrimination. Research has also shown that physical activity (PA) is associated with enhanced psychosocial wellbeing and social/emotional functioning among adolescents with obesity. To date, an in-depth focus on PA and belonging—particularly among young people living with obesity—remains unexplored.
Purpose: The purpose of this proposed cross-sectional qualitative study, which is part of the larger “iBelongTeens” study, is to gain a comprehensive understanding of PA behaviours, as well as their possible relationship with and influence on perceptions of belonging, among adolescents with obesity in Ontario, Canada.
Methods: Adolescents (aged 13-18 years) with obesity (body mass index ≥ 95th percentile for age and sex) will be recruited through Ontario pediatric weight management clinics and social media. Adolescents (n = 10-20) will participate in a single online or in-person semi-structured interview focused on PA behaviours and perceptions of belonging, as well as barriers, facilitators, and supports/resources needed to increase PA and belonging in this population.
Results: Ethics applications are in progress and data collection is expected to begin in September 2024. It is anticipated that adolescents with obesity may perceive a bidirectional relationship between PA and belonging, and that important insights, barriers, facilitators, and supports will be identified.
Conclusions & Practical Implications: This study will contribute to a nuanced understanding of the relationship between PA and belonging among adolescents with obesity. These findings could be used to inform evidence-based approaches for enhancing the health and wellbeing of, as well as the care and services offered to, adolescents with obesity and their families.
Funding: Western University Living Lab (WeLL) Initiative Demonstration Grant (Faculty of Health Sciences, Western University, London, Ontario Canada).
Additional Authors
Name: Marina Ybarra
Affiliation: London Health Sciences Center, Western University, Children’s Health Research Institute
Presenting Author: no
Name: Jennifer Irwin
Affiliation: Western University
Presenting Author: no
Name: Trish Tucker
Affiliation: Western University, Children’s Health Research Institute
Presenting Author: no
Name: Mariano Macias
Affiliation: London Health Sciences Center, Western University, Children’s Health Research Institute
Presenting Author: no
Name: Lesley Gittings
Affiliation: Western University
Presenting Author: no
Name: Danielle Battram
Affiliation: Western University
Presenting Author: no
Name: Tara Mantler
Affiliation: Western University, Children’s Health Research Insitute
Presenting Author: no
Name: Shauna Burke
Affiliation: Western University, Children’s Health Research Institute
Presenting Author: no
Information
Study Type: Other
Subtheme: Mental Health
Population Group: Adolescents
Setting: School, Community, Sport, Family, Healthcare
Submitting Author
Balraj Gill
Graduate Student
Western University
Canada