The examination of physical activity experiences of syrian refugee women in the context of acculturation

The aim of this study is to reveal the post migration pshysical activity experiences of Syrian refugee women by taking into consideration their acculturation process. Researches have shown that refugee women have low levels of physical activity. In addition, Syrian refugee women are physically inactive risk group in Turkey. The theory of acculturation provides an insight into how individuals experience cultural transitions. For this reason, it is a guide to revealing the physical activity experiences of refugee women in the country of residence in connection with the two cultures. This thesis was conducted with a qualitative research paradigm with 16 Syrian female participants aged 19-62. The data of the research was constructed through semi-structured individual interviews. Individual interviews were conducted in Arabic or Turkish languages based upon the request of the participants. The data obtained from the interviews were analyzed by thematic analysis method. The result of the analysis is achieved by two themes: "Life in Turkey and Acculturation" and "Physical Activity Experiences of Refugee Women". According to the data obtained as a result of the analysis, refugee women compared different approaches towards women in the cultural and social sense on the basis of two cultures. New culture in Turkey lead to feel themselves as free relatively also this situation affect the physical activity experiences of refugee women in the positive sense. It is seen that the position in the social life of women in Turkey culture and their physical activity participation, increased interest in physical activity of local governments in Turkey, sports media and social support provided to refugees are acculturation factors that influence positively physical activity experiences of refugee women.