Environmental influences on physical activity among young rural women: a qualitative study

Abstract Background Environmental factors, including the built and social environments, shape physical activity. However, it is less clear how young rural women experience these influences in daily life. This study aimed to understand perceived barriers and facilitators to active lifestyles. Methods A descriptive qualitative design was used to explore environmental influences on physical activity among young rural women. Nineteen participants completed individual semi-structured interviews. Data were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. Results Four main themes were identified: the built environment, natural and geographic environment, structural environment, and social environment. Participants mainly described barriers, such as limited access to facilities, transportation challenges, cost, poor infrastructure, safety concerns, social support and weather-related issues. Conclusion Rural environments can limit physical activity for young women but also offer support for active lifestyles. These findings highlight the need to address barriers and to leverage existing support in rural communities. This study may help guide targeted strategies to promote physical activity among young rural women.