Middle-Aged Women’s Perceptions and Experiences of Physical Activity: A Grounded Theory Approach

Effective public health interventions require an understanding of why people engage in or abstain from physical activity. This study aimed to design a model of physical activity for middle-aged Iranian women. The research was conducted using the systematic approach of grounded theory. Data analysis was performed through continuous „questioning” and „comparison.” Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 35 middle-aged women (aged 40 to 65) who regularly engaged in physical activity to achieve theoretical saturation. The coding process identified 128 final codes, 30 sub-themes, and nine main themes. After the open, axial, and selective-coding stages, a conceptual model was designed. In our model: „Advice and Encouragement,” „Knowledge and Awareness,” „Fear and Prevention,” and „Exercise Therapy” are the primary drivers that affect the motivation of middle-aged Iranian women to engage in physical activity. Motivated middle-aged Iranian women by comparison of perceived barriers, facilities, and benefits to engage in physical activity. Experiencing benefits leads to internalizing motivation and can lead to exercise addiction. The developed model suggests that the key measures for motivating middle-aged women to engage in regular physical activity are increasing primary drivers, lowering obstacles, and expanding facilities. Middle-aged women’s physical activity can be understood by employing the created model.