Exploring Evidence-based Physical Activity Messaging for Disabled Adults in China: A Mixed-methods Design

Abstract

The primary aim of this thesis was to explore the effective physical activity (PA) communication resources targeted at disabled adults in China, addressing a critical gap in the existing research, which has primarily focused on Western contexts. To meet the primary aim, it was necessary to include research objectives aimed at identifying the current aims of PA communication resources and how they should target disabled adults, and at understanding the preferences of disabled adults in terms of key messengers, message content, and delivery methods.

A sequential mixed-methods design was employed to achieve these objectives. First, disabled adults’ preferences for PA communication resources were measured by a self-designed questionnaire (n = 251). The quantitative analysis revealed a diversity of preferences for facilitators and barriers to PA, key messengers, message contents and delivery methods among disabled adults. Next, 41 disabled adults were interviewed to explore the effective communication resources concerning the rationales and reasons why they preferred certain communication content, formats and delivery methods over others. The reflexive thematic analysis revealed a diverse range of factors that influenced these preferences concerning communication resources.

Findings demonstrated nuanced and comprehensive evidence-based PA communication resources that were culturally and contextually appropriate for disabled adults in China. While intrapersonal factors, such as the health benefits of PA, were shown to be primary facilitators for PA, interpersonal and environmental factors were also found to play crucial roles. Key messengers were identified across different PA settings, indicating the importance of context in effective PA communication resources. The complexities of PA message contents and delivery methods were revealed, addressing the diverse needs and capabilities of disabled adults. Finally, this thesis concludes with a discussion of methodological, theoretical and practical implications by highlighting how PA communication resources can promote PA among disabled adults.