Table 6 Matching of participant statements in the focus group discussions [30] with the COM-B components to identify what needed to change

COM-B components

What needed to happen for the target behaviour to occur?

Is there a need for change?

Example of participant statement in focus group discussions to support inclusion

Physical capability

Developing the physical skills to perform the exercises, such as teaching participants how to correctly do sit-ups.

Yes, change was needed, as most PLWHA of low SES do not possess these skills.

“I do not know which exercises to do, …”

Psychological capability

Developing knowledge of exercises, the correct techniques used and the appropriate intensity.

Yes, change was needed in terms of knowledge of cost-effective home-based exercises, exercise technique and intensity.

“…, I do not have the information about exercising”

Physical opportunity

Accessing time, resources and locations to exercise and understanding when an opportunity to engage in PA presents itself.

Yes, participants needed to know the opportune time to exercise, the resources available and when and where to exercise.

“I simply do not have the time, I come to the community centre every day in the morning, leave late, then at home I have to focus on the domestic chores”

Social opportunity

Increasing social support from family and friends for engaging in PA

Yes, change was needed so that PLWHA of low SES can make use of social support to engage in PA

“Let’s exercise as a group here at the community centre and, then, we can exercise alone at home”

Reflective motivation

Instilling beliefs that engaging in PA will help manage HIV/AIDS by teaching the participants about the importance of PA in managing HIV and HAART-related complications.

Yes, change was needed as most PLWHA of low SES do not know the benefits of PA for managing HIV/AIDS.

“I thought exercising was for fat individuals, I have already lost weight, due to the disease, so I thought exercising might worsen the situation”

Automatic motivation

Establishing routines and habits for engaging in PA. Automatic motivation would also be derived from weight control, being more energetic, performing activites of daily living (ADLs) a lot easier, and enhanced quality of life (QoL)

Yes, change was needed to establish routines and habits. Change was also needed for compliance and sustainability of the programme.

“I think we must record our exercise activities somewhere so that we keep track of the exercises we do”

Behavioural analysis of the relevant COM-B components