Exploring how people achieve recommended levels of physical activity, despite self-reported economic difficulties: a sense of coherence perspective

Abstract

Abstract Background The salutogenic theory forms the basis for health promotion and describes health as a continuum from a dis-ease pole of health to an ease pole. The core concept for the salutogenic theory is sense of coherence (SOC). For a strong SOC, general resistance resources, such as solid economic situation, are essential. The aim was to explore how people – despite self-reported economic difficulties – comprehend, manage and find it meaningful to achieve the level of physical activity recommended by World Health Organisation (WHO). Method The study is based on interviews with people achieving the recommended physical activity (PA) level despite economic difficulties. The interviews were conducted at primary health care centres and family centres after a targeted health dialogue. We used a qualitative deductive content analysis based on sense of coherence as the main category, with the three generic categories of comprehensibility, manageability and meaningfulness. Result The findings elucidate a pattern of a process. In this process, the participants comprehend their knowledge of the health benefits of PA and have a plan for performing their PA. They utilise their resources in order to manage to apply their knowledge and plan for PA in their lives despite their challenges. When PA becomes meaningful to them, they have an intrinsic motivation to perform it and experience its benefits. Conclusion This study suggests a possible process that might help in achieving the recommended PA level among people with economic difficulties and other challenges. The findings might be used in health promotion work, such as targeted health dialogues in primary health care, to reduce health inequalities when supporting people who are not achieving the recommended levels of PA. Trial registration Not applicable.