Series

CPHS Lupina Seminar Series

Room Information

Contact Info

Aliya Mawani - CPHS

Event Website

www.utoronto.ca/cphs

Description

Project Abstract: Physical Activity (PA) is critical for healthy growth and development, mental and social well-being, and disease prevention among youth. A range of socio-demographic factors have been considered in youth PA research, revealing poor participation trends and subsequently raising concerns over the present and future health of young Canadians. Presently, over 90% of Canadian youth ages 5-19 are failing to meet national PA guidelines; girls are generally less active than boys, with the gap increasing with age; and girls from ethnic minority groups report the lowest levels of PA in Canada. South Asian girls in Canada have been identified as a group that is especially at risk for low levels of PA. An emerging body of evidence suggests that South Asian girls must operate within a cultural framework that encompasses aspects of gender, South Asian values, and adolescence (e.g. seeking independence) while maintaining positive family and community images. Subha’s doctoral research explores the ways that social networks and cultural forces may support or undermine PA participation among South Asian adolescent girls in Toronto.

Specifically, this research will focus on South Asian girls in high school and examine: 1) daily pastimes, including the types, timing and companions for any physical activities, cultural activities, family responsibilities, and social activities; 2) attitudes and perceptions related to religion, culture, and PA; 3) connections to and importance of families, cultural communities and friends with respect to PA decisions; and 4) how South Asian heritage, social networks, and gender may work together to influence PA participation.

Main Sponsor

Comparative Program on Health and Society