Understanding the needs of disabled athletes in school: The case of impaired vision athletes

• Main Authors: Abd Rahim, Badruel Hairiel, Mohamad Diah, Nurazzura
• Format: Article
• Language: English; English
• Published: Institut Penyelidikan Pembangunan Belia Malaysia (IYRES) 2019
• Subjects: GV Recreation Leisure; HM706 Social structure; HM711 Groups and organizations; HM826 Social institutions; LC1390 Education of special classes of persons; LC65 Social aspects of education
• Online Access: http://irep.iium.edu.my/71855/7/71855%20Understanding%20the%20needs%20of%20disabled%20athletes%20in%20school.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/71855/13/71855_Understanding%20the%20needs%20of%20disabled%20athletes%20in%20school_mycite.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/71855/; https://www.iyres.gov.my/images/2019/MJYS/Edisi%20Khas%20Agenda%20Sosial%20Vol%202.pdf

The occurrence of many health problems among women like obesity, cancer and cardio-vascular diseases (CVDs) is associated with their physical inactivity. Often, tight work schedule, misconception of certain practices as well as socio-cultural barriers have become factors for not being actively engaged in any physical activities. Studies show that physical inactivity had become the leading cause of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among women in many developing countries. This study employs a qualitative approach. Using unstructured interview, this study aims to (1) examine the meaning attached to physical activity among female youth and (2) identify the socio-cultural factors associated with one’s level of physical inactivity. Fifteen Malay female youth aged 18-26 were recruited using the purposive sampling technique. Data were transcribed and analysed using thematic approach. The results of this study reveal that physical activity is a distressful event for female youth. They focused more on other personal obligations compared to physical activities, they are surrounded by physically inactive friends and received minimal parental support. In short, this study believes that becoming physically active among female youth should be considered as one of the core agendas of the nation as well as collective responsibility of the individual, communities and government agencies since maintaining good health in the later lives of women is essential due to women’s longer life expectancy than men. ********************************************************** Kejadian masalah kesihatan dalam kalanagan wanita seperti obesiti, kanser dan penyakit-penyakit kardiovaskular (CVDs) adalah berkait rapat dengan fizikal yang tidak aktif. Selalunya, jadual kerja yang padat, salah faham tentang beberapa amalan serta kekangan sosio-budaya telah menjadi faktor yang menyebabkan mereka tidak bergiat aktif dalam aktiviti fizikal. Kajian telah menunjukkan bahawa fizikal tidak aktif telah menjurus kepada penyebab penyakit-penyakit tidak berjangkit (NCDs) dalam kalangan wanita dalam negara-negara yang sedang membangun. Kajian ini menggunakan kaedah kualitatif. Melalui temubual tidak berstruktur, matlamat kajian ini adalah untuk (1) mengkaji makna aktiviti fizikal kepada beliawanis dan (2) mengenalpasti faktor-faktor sosio-budaya yang dikaitkan dengan tahap fizikal tidak aktif seseorang. 15 beliawanis Melayu berumur antara 18-26 telah direkrut melalui kaedah persampelan bertujuan. Data telah ditranskripsi dan dianalisa menggunakan kaedah tematik. Dapatan kajian menunjukkan aktiviti fizikal adalah sesuatu yang menyakitkan kepada beliawanis. Ini kerana mereka lebih memberikan tumpuan kepada tuntutan peribadi yang lain, dikelilingi oleh rakan-rakan yang kurang membuat gerakan fizikal serta kurang mendapat sokongan dari ibubapa. Kesimpulannya, kajian in percaya bahawa menjadi beliawanis yang aktif secara fizikal harus menjadi satu agenda teras negara dan kolektif, membabitkan tanggungjawab individu, komuniti dan agensi kerajaan memandangkan jangka hayat wanita lebih panjang dari lelaki.