Exploring Perceived Barriers to Physical Activity in Korean Older Patients with Hypertension: Photovoice Inquiry

Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Oct 27;19(21):14020. doi: 10.3390/ijerph192114020.

Abstract

This study attempted to explore the barriers to physical activity of older patients with Hypertension. It aimed to provide robust evidence produced through their eyes. First, through the data analysis of the accelerometer and the decision of the research team, 10 out of the 30 applicants were invited to participate in a photovoice study. Photovoice is one example of participatory action research. Photovoice participants can communicate their unique experiences through photographs, providing a highly realistic and authentic perspective that is not possible to be understood with traditional qualitative research. This study inductively identified four main themes; health illiteracy, distortion of health information, fear of physical activity, and rejection of any life changes. Based on a specific understanding of the population's perception of physical activity, this study attempted to provide evidence of why many elderly Korean patients with Hypertension stay inactive.

Keywords: barriers to physical activity; hypertension; older adults; photovoice.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Community-Based Participatory Research
  • Exercise*
  • Health Services Research
  • Humans
  • Hypertension* / epidemiology
  • Photography
  • Qualitative Research
  • Republic of Korea

Grants and funding

This research received no external funding.