Perceptions related to cardiovascular disease and physical activity behavior in Arab men: A qualitative study

Abstract Objectives To describe the daily physical activity of Arab men living in the United States and to understand how perceptions of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk influence their inclusion of physical activity into their daily routine. Methods A qualitative descriptive method using a semi-structured face-to-face interview with each participant was conducted. Twenty young college males (age 26 ± 4 years) were recruited from Arab American community centers. Results The qualitative inductive content analysis revealed three main themes: impact of perceived CVD risk on physical activity behavior and perceived barriers and motivators to be physically active. Arab men primarily perceived gaining weight as the most important CVD risk factor that could promote their physical activity behavior. Conclusions These findings demonstrate that unawareness about CVD risk and barriers to regular physical activity must be considered in any intervention to engage Arab men in regular physical activity.