Active Transportation Experiences of Racialized Youth in Nova Scotia

Abstract

Introduction: Physical activity (PA) supports the health and well-being of youth. Active transportation (AT) during the adolescent years aids youth in acquiring enough PA to achieve desired health and well-being outcomes. However, access to and engagement in PA and AT are not possible for all youth. Racialized youth experience inequities to PA and AT. For example, AT policies often do not sufficiently consider strategies to enable racialized youth to participate. As such, racialized youth may be at risk for reduced PA and AT. Purpose: This study aimed to understand how racialized youth living in Nova Scotia are engaging in AT from both their perspective and the perspective of their caregiver. The following research questions guided this exploration: (1) What are self and caregiver-perceived barriers that obstruct racialized youth from engaging in AT, (2) What are self and caregiver-perceived enablers that support racialized youth in engaging in AT, and (3) What are potential strategies recommended by racialized people that could increase racialized youth AT? Methods: This study used a qualitative dyadic approach and was guided by a social constructivist worldview. We recruited racialized youth (ages 7-15 years) and a caregiver to participate in a one-on-one semi-structured interview. The interview questions were open-ended and informed by Critical Race Theory and the socioecological model. Interviews were transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed using the Framework Method adapted to be used with reflexive thematic analysis and narrative analysis to develop meta-stories that further contextualize the findings. Results: Eight dyads or triads of racialized youth and their caregiver participated in interviews. Youth identified as boys (n=5; ages 9-14 years) and girls (n=5; ages 8-15 years). Caregivers (n=8; ages 36-51 years) included 5 mothers, 2 fathers, and 1 grandmother; all identifying as the primary caregiver of their participant child/children. Respondents identified as African Nova Scotian, Black, South Asian, or as mixed race. Three themes were generated from these interviews: (1) Walking in Fear, (2) Neglected or Forgotten Racialized People, and (3) Community is More than Physical Environment. Findings were further contextualized through three diverging meta-stories: (1) The Family that Can’t Safely Use AT Due to Governmental Neglect, (2) The Next Generation Using AT Despite Safety Concerns, and (3) The Family That Walks and Bikes Together. Conclusions: This thesis provided lived experience perspectives into the inequities impacting AT access for racialized youth in Nova Scotia. This study highlighted how racialized youth are often neglected when it comes to access and engagement in AT. The youth and caregivers in this study provided suggestions to support AT of racialized youth in the province. In sharing the voices and lived experiences of racialized youth and their caregivers, this research can inform and motivate action towards more inclusive AT policy and practice across Nova Scotia.