Socio-cultural Barriers to Attaining Recommended Levels of Physical Activity among Females: A Review of Literature

Females might be more affected by sociocultural barriers to physical activity because of their gender roles. This review was conducted to examine the available evidence on socioculture barriers to attaining recommended levels of physical activity among females. After thorough review, 34 articles were selected. Childcare, household work, cultural beliefs, social isolation, and unsafe neighborhood environment were leading sociocultural barriers preventing females from attaining recommended levels of physical activity. Lack of social support from family, living in extended families, living in rural areas, absence of culturally appropriate facilities, and, in some countries, past experiences of war were the main barriers. Observations of people in the family and in neighborhood performing physical activity were positively associated with physical activity. Females are a disadvantaged group that lacks social support and have poor control over decisions related to their health. Sociocultural factors act as the main barriers to recommended levels of physical activity.