Authors (including presenting author) :
Ho Check Nam (1), Ho Ka Ying (1). Ng Cheuk Hei (1), Tse Check Lam (1), Yeung Ka Fai (1), Cheng Kwok Tak (1), Yuen Pui Man (1), Kuisma Raija Marja Esteri (1)
Affiliation :
(1) Saint Francis University, S.K. Yee School of Health Sciences
Keyword 2: :
Active aging
Introduction :
With an aging population and a rising prevalence in chronic diseases, Hong Kong requires urgent preventive healthcare strategies. While Tai Chi (TC) effectively improves physical and cognitive outcomes, little is known about facilitators and barriers to participation among middle-aged Hong Kong adults.
Objectives :
The primary aim of this qualitative study was to (1) identify self-perceived facilitators and barriers on TC practice in Hong Kong adult populations (aged 40 or above), and (2) explore how identified perceptions can be applied to promote earlier adoption of TC practice within aforementioned populations to facilitate healthy ageing.
Methodology :
This qualitative study analyzed data collected from 11 community-dwelling adult participants from a local TC Centre using convenience sampling. Individuals were aged 40 or above and had a minimum of one year of experience in TC practice. Data were collected through two-on-one semi-structured interviews with audio recordings. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and inductively analyzed using Braun and Clarke 6-step thematic analysis.
Result & Outcome :
Four main themes were identified. Primary internal motivators were physical, psychological and social benefits. Physical benefits consisted of health improvement (n=11/11) and health maintenance (n=8/11). Major psychological benefits were general psychological gains (n=9/11), personal pursuit fulfilment (n=8/11) and mindset shifts (n=7/11). Social benefits included promotion of social relationships (n=9/11) and improvement in interpersonal interplay (n=9/11). Primary external motivators were influenced from others (n=8/11) and TC benefits (n=8/11). Barriers are TC-related (n=10/11) and participant-related (n=9/11), including complexity of TC moves and time conflict. Group practice reported enhanced socialisation and outcomes (n=11/11), yet participants believed both group and solo practice deserved equal emphasis (n=4/11). Conclusions: This study provides insights for health professionals in promoting TC participation in the local adult population and primary health services of Hong Kong with the identified perceived facilitators and barriers. Future service expansion may emphasize perceived facilitators including postural correction and self-efficacy while resolving barriers including fragmented course structures and complexity of TC techniques.
