Punjabi Sikh Patients' Perceived Barriers to Engaging in Physical Exercise Following Myocardial Infarction

Objective The aim of this research was to describe Punjabi Sikh patients’ perceived barriers to engaging in physical exercise following myocardial infarction (MI). Design and Sample A qualitative, interpretive descriptive methodology was used. The sample included 15 Punjabi Sikh patients who were attending a cardiac rehabilitation education program in an urban center of British Columbia, Canada, following MI. Measurements Data were collected via semi‐structured interviews and were audio recorded, translated from Punjabi to English, and transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed using an interpretive thematic approach that involved a process of coding and constant comparison. Results Four key factors emerged that related to participants’ perceived barriers to sustained engagement in physical activity: (1) difficulty in determining safe exertion levels independently; (2) fatigue and weakness; (3) preference for ‘informal’ exercise; and (4) migration‐related challenges. Conclusions The findings have implications for the design and delivery of health promotion strategies aimed at Punjabi Sikh patients’ post‐MI that is contingent on the use of ‘formal’ exercise settings to promote regular physical activity. The willingness among Punjabi Sikh patients to practise brisk walking offers a positive direction that public health nurses and other healthcare professionals may want to capitalize on in the delivery of exercise‐related health promotion.