# Beliefs and Behaviors Related to Physical Activity in Black Girls With Asthma

## TL;DR

Black girls with asthma see physical activity as important but face barriers like cost and safety, and they often rely on support from mothers or caregivers to stay active.

## Contribution

This study explores the beliefs and behaviors around physical activity in Black girls with asthma, a vulnerable and understudied group.

## Key findings

- Most Black girls with asthma view asthma as a barrier to physical activity and do not associate it with health benefits.
- Girls expressed enthusiasm for physical activity and strategies to manage asthma symptoms during exercise.
- Mothers or female caregivers are key motivators and facilitators of physical activity for Black girls with asthma.

## Abstract

Physical activity (PA) is associated with improved asthma outcomes. Black girls face higher rates of asthma morbidity and are less likely to meet recommended PA than their White and Black male peers. To address these health disparities, it is essential to understand beliefs and behaviors related to PA among Black girls with asthma.

For this qualitative study, Black girls with asthma and their mothers or female caregivers were recruited through flyers and direct outreach to patients at one academic medical center. Semi‐structured interviews focused on knowledge of PA recommendations, perceived risks and benefits of PA, barriers and facilitators to PA, and maternal influences on PA. Transcripts were coded iteratively through deductive thematic analysis.

Twenty girls (age: mean = 9.9 years, SD = 1.33, range = 8–12) and their caregivers participated. Most viewed asthma as a limitation to PA and could not identify a beneficial relationship between PA and asthma. Nonetheless, girls were enthusiastic about PA and shared strategies for managing asthma symptoms while exercising. Facilitators included outdoor access and social support, while barriers included program costs and safety concerns. Many girls said they would be more active with their mother/caregiver.

Despite personal and structural barriers to PA, Black girls with asthma view PA as important for physical and social wellbeing. Mothers/female caregivers play a major role in motivating and creating opportunities for PA. Our findings inform efforts to promote PA in a vulnerable yet understudied population, including expanding asthma management education and leveraging mother‐daughter relationships to facilitate engagement in PA.