TY - JOUR AU - Riley, Lindsey AU - Mili, Saima AU - Trinh-Shevrin, Chau AU - Islam, Nadia PY - 2016 TI - Using Qualitative Methods to Understand Physical Activity and Weight Management Among Bangladeshis in New York City, 2013 T2 - Preventing Chronic Disease JO - Prev Chronic Dis SP - E87 VL - 13 CY - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30333, USA. N2 - INTRODUCTION South Asians experience high rates of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, coupled with low rates of reported physical activity. We report findings from a qualitative sub-study that was conducted in 2013 among Bangladeshi immigrants in New York City to understand factors that affect physical activity practices and weight management in this community. METHODS Qualitative study participants were recruited from community-based settings. Sex-specific focus groups were conducted by trained community health workers. Proceedings were audio-recorded for translation and transcription and coded using a constant comparative approach. Data were coded using Atlas.ti software. RESULTS Six focus groups were completed with a final sample of 67 participants (63% male, 37% female). Mean participant age was 42 years; mean years of residence in the United States was 12. Key themes that emerged were beliefs about modesty and sex-separated facilities that may prevent women from engaging in physical activity. Distinctions were made between men and women about what constitutes exercise versus physical activity; religious prayer was considered to be health-promoting because of the movement involved. Other important themes that emerged were cultural dietary practices and evolving conceptions of healthy weight. CONCLUSION Tailored interventions that take into account the cultural context of this growing community are needed. Findings may also provide insight into barriers to health promotion experienced by other US Muslim communities, which are growing rapidly. SN - 1545-1151 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.5888/pcd13.160077 DO - 10.5888/pcd13.160077 ER -