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. 2021 May 20;18(10):5481.
doi: 10.3390/ijerph18105481.

'All We Have to Decide Is What to Do with the Time That Is Given to Us' a Photovoice Study on Physical Activity in Nursing Homes

Dorothée Altmeier  1 , Ansgar Thiel  1 , Annika Frahsa  1   2
Affiliations

'All We Have to Decide Is What to Do with the Time That Is Given to Us' a Photovoice Study on Physical Activity in Nursing Homes

Dorothée Altmeier et al. Int J Environ Res Public Health. .

Abstract

(1) Background: Despite high prevalence of physical inactivity and sedentariness among nursing home residents, research on the influence of environments on this topic remains scarce. This Photovoice study explores how structural and social environments relate to residents' everyday physical activity (PA). (2) Methods: 27 residents, staff, and significant others conducted Photovoice in eight nursing homes in Germany to document factors facilitating or hindering PA. Photographs were discussed with the participants in eight focus groups and analysed using thematic analysis. (3) Results: 169 photographs (between 8 and 42per home) were categorized into three thematic groups: (1) 'architectural challenges for PA promotion in nursing homes'; (2) 'opportunities and limitations of using daily work equipment for PA promotion'; (3) 'social incentives for PA promotion'. Photographs' foci in the homes differed considerably between participant groups. Staff primarily chose environmental constructions and aids that they perceived to enable residents' PA. Residents were more likely to express affections and emotions that would encourage them to be active. (4) Conclusions: PA promotion research in this setting should be sensitive to diverse perceptions of different stakeholder groups and existing power imbalances. Interventions are needed that integrate residents' needs and train staff on how to consider residents' perspectives.

Keywords: CBPR; Photovoice; nursing homes; nursing staff; older adults; physical activity.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Examples of photographs on the implementation of norm standards vs. not standard conforming building.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Examples of photographs by staff of how to enhance PA vs. photographs by residents of how enhance their PA.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Examples of photographs with social interaction types.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Differences in photographs taken, 1. residents, 2. staff, 3. significant others.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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