Skip to Main Content
 

Global Search Box

 
 
 

ETD Abstract Container

Abstract Header

A Descriptive Qualitative Study of Physical Activity Accessibility in Rural Pee Dee, South Carolina: Gullahs on the Go

Wilson, Thomas, Jr.
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1732652514135064

Abstract Details

2024, Doctor of Philosophy, Ohio State University, Kinesiology.
The primary purpose of this study was to describe the experiences of Disabled African American adults accessing and navigating physical activity facilities in rural communities. The secondary purpose was to identify alternative physical activity facilities of participants who do not utilize physical activity facilities. This descriptive qualitative study was situated within the social-ecological model (SEM) theoretical framework and the intersectionality conceptual framework. The participants were five Disabled African American adults from rural communities of Georgetown and Williamsburg Counties in South Carolina (Gullah Geechee Heritage Corridor). The primary data sources were semi-structured interviews and visual artifacts (photographs) of the physical activity facilities and alternative spaces disclosed by the participants. The data were analyzed qualitatively and analytically (e.g., transcripts and artifacts) using a line-by-line thematic analysis approach to produce themes. Through the researchers’ analysis, three major themes emerged, which were as follows: (a) Keep on Keeping On [resiliency and commitment to remaining physically active], (b) Ease on Down de Road [participants' journey to physical activity and interactions in physical activity facilities], and (c) We are Family [family and community members impact on participants’ accessibility]. These findings underscore the importance of addressing accessibility barriers through culturally relevant, population-specific inclusive programming at the institutional level. Additionally, community-level infrastructure improvements, such as enhanced transportation and safe, accessible spaces for physical activity, are essential in supporting the physical activity engagement of rural African American adults with mobility disabilities. Implications drawn from this study suggest that stakeholders in rural health, community planning, and adapted physical activity should collaborate to design targeted interventions that are reflective of cultural and community needs, promoting equitable physical activity access in rural areas.
Samuel Hodge (Advisor)
Danene Fast (Committee Member)
JaNelle Ricks (Committee Member)
170 p.
Kinesiology
Accessibility, Physical Activity, Rural, Gullah Geechee, South Carolina, Adapted Physical Activity, Recreation

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Wilson, Jr., T. (2024). A Descriptive Qualitative Study of Physical Activity Accessibility in Rural Pee Dee, South Carolina: Gullahs on the Go [Doctoral dissertation, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1732652514135064

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Wilson, Jr., Thomas. A Descriptive Qualitative Study of Physical Activity Accessibility in Rural Pee Dee, South Carolina: Gullahs on the Go. 2024. Ohio State University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1732652514135064.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Wilson, Jr., Thomas. "A Descriptive Qualitative Study of Physical Activity Accessibility in Rural Pee Dee, South Carolina: Gullahs on the Go." Doctoral dissertation, Ohio State University, 2024. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1732652514135064

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

osu1732652514135064
61
© 2024, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by The Ohio State University and OhioLINK.