Conference Agenda

Objective: Addressing the health and wellbeing of ethnic minority groups in Ireland remains a policy priority. Traveller and Roma communities experience substantial health inequalities that limit opportunities for physical activity (PA) and exercise. This study examined key barriers and facilitators influencing PA and exercise engagement among Traveller and Roma individuals in Ireland.

Design: A qualitative study using interviews and focus groups, guided by the COM-B model and the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF).

Results: Participants reported multiple, interconnected barriers to PA and exercise. These included social influences (discrimination, lack of representation in PA settings); environmental context and resources (exclusion from or limited access to facilities, financial constraints, and competing life priorities); social/professional role and identity (cultural norms and gender roles); and knowledge (limited understanding of PA and exercise, low awareness of guidelines, and language or literacy barriers). Facilitators were identified and included environmental context and resources (affordable, locally accessible facilities and mobile or satellite services that reduced logistical barriers); social/professional role and identity (culturally sensitive and gender-specific activities); and knowledge (targeted health education initiatives and community-based workshops).

Conclusion: Physical activity participation among Traveller and Roma communities is shaped by interacting individual, social, and structural factors. Barriers such as low health literacy, cultural norms, financial constraints, and experiences of exclusion persist, whilst facilitators including strong community bonds and culturally relevant provision present opportunities for intervention. Co-designed, culturally safe, peer-supported programmes, alongside targeted outreach and structural barrier reduction, are essential to promote sustained engagement and reduce health inequalities.