Qualitative Exploration of Barriers and Facilitators to Physical Activity and Exercise in Children and Adolescents With Crohn’s—Perspectives of Young People, Caregivers, and Clinicians

Purpose: With a rising incidence of childhood-onset Crohn’s disease (CD), linked to genetics, environmental, and lifestyle factors, there is a need to further understand the physical (in)activity behaviours of young people with the condition. We explored the barriers and facilitators to physical activity and exercise in children and young people with CD, from the perspectives of patients, caregivers, and specialist clinicians.

Methods: Five children, seven caregivers, and six specialist clinicians completed semi-structured interviews, in this UK-based qualitative study. Recordings were transcribed verbatim, and emergent themes inductively derived.

Results: Three overarching themes were constructed: i) navigating barriers to a physically active lifestyle with CD; ii) - Building knowledge and support for a physically active lifestyle with CD; and iii) creating an enabling environment for a physically active lifestyle through family and social support networks.

Conclusion: Young people living with CD, their caregivers, and clinicians clearly value the importance of physical activity and exercise but face several disease-specific barriers that can hinder long-term participation. Targeted educational and practical support is needed to address these challenges. Involving those with lived experience is essential in designing effective resources and home-based support programs that meet their needs.