Physical activity has been found to have numerous physical, emotional and psychological benefits, particularly for young pregnant/lone parenting women (YP/LP). Unfortunately, physical activity declines through adolescence, and women who are marginalized by poverty and racism have lower levels of leisure time. There is a lack of research on physical activity for YP/LP women who are marginalized by poverty, racism, and/or trauma, thus little is known about the barriers and facilitators for physical activity for this population. Physical activity is especially important for these women because they have a greater risk for obesity, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and PTSD.
My proposed mixed methods participatory research will focus on physical activity with YP/LP women who are marginalized by poverty, racism, and trauma – arguably some of the most marginalized women in Canada. My research has the following objectives:
- Assess current health and physical activity behaviours engaged in by YP/LP women.
- Understand the perceived barriers and benefits of physical activity for these women and establish strategies to support YP/LP in a culturally safe and trauma-informed manner.
- Assess if existing quality of life measures are relevant for this population and determine if there is a correlation between quality of live and physical activity levels for these women.
- Translate the knowledge gained to create a technologically-enabled approach to support/improve YP/LP well-being.
This research will take place with partnering organizations on Vancouver's Downtown Eastside that serve pregnant and parenting women. I will work with participants to create and implement a technology-enabled health intervention that is culturally safe, age relevant, trauma-informed, and cost effective.