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Esgin T, Hersh D, Rowley K, Gilroy J, Newton RU. Indigenous research methodologies: decolonizing the Australian sports sciences. Health Promot Int 2020; 34:1231-1240. [PMID: 30364946 DOI: 10.1093/heapro/day076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
To design a questionnaire that would determine an Indigenous individual's perceptions of the barriers and motivators to aerobic and anabolic exercise with a series of questions designed to elicit the factors that impact uptake and retention of regular physical activity. For this purpose, a questionnaire was designed to capture information relating to motivators and barriers, traditional physical activities, preferred exercise environments, exercise goals and levels of commitment to physical activity. This article does not report the results of the questionnaire itself but the preparation that was required in order to develop it. Indigenous standpoint theory. Participatory Action Research. A series of consultation meetings were arranged between the first author, a Noongar Aboriginal researcher, with a range of people from the same Noongar community as the author to discuss priorities and develop questions. The drafted questionnaire was shaped with continuous Noongar community feedback to ensure the language, length and appropriateness of questions. Questionnaire reliability was assessed using interclass correlation. Most questions had excellent internal consistency. A consensus was reached on the utility of the questionnaire. The personal contacts of the first author and nature of community involvement in the development of this questionnaire were helpful in assuring that it would be an acceptable tool for the Noongar community. The piloting of the questionnaire was also important in confirming its community acceptability. This article provides a model and suggestions for researching physical activity and exercise in a culturally safe manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuguy Esgin
- Discipline of Exercise, Health and Performance, University of Sydney, Lidcombe, NSW 2141, Australia
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA 6027, Australia
| | - Deborah Hersh
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA 6027, Australia
| | - Kevin Rowley
- Onemda VicHealth Koori Health Unit, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - John Gilroy
- Behavioural and Social Sciences, Lidcombe, NSW 2041, Australia
| | - Robert U Newton
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA 6027, Australia
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Macniven R, Elwell M, Ride K, Bauman A, Richards J. A snapshot of physical activity programs targeting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia. Health Promot J Austr 2019; 28:185-206. [PMID: 28110644 DOI: 10.1071/he16036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2016] [Accepted: 11/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Issue addressed Participation in physical activity programs can be an effective strategy to reduce chronic disease risk factors and improve broader social outcomes. Health and social outcomes are worse among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders than non-Indigenous Australians, who represent an important group for culturally specific programs. The extent of current practice in physical activity programs is largely unknown. This study identifies such programs targeting this population group and describes their characteristics. Methods Bibliographic and Internet searches and snowball sampling identified eligible programs operating between 2012 and 2015 in Australia (phase 1). Program coordinators were contacted to verify sourced information (phase 2). Descriptive characteristics were documented for each program. Results A total of 110 programs were identified across urban, rural and remote locations within all states and territories. Only 11 programs were located through bibliographic sources; the remainder through Internet searches. The programs aimed to influence physical activity for health or broader social outcomes. Sixty five took place in community settings and most involved multiple sectors such as sport, health and education. Almost all were free for participants and involved Indigenous stakeholders. The majority received Government funding and had commenced within the last decade. More than 20 programs reached over 1000 people each; 14 reached 0-100 participants. Most included process or impact evaluation indicators, typically reflecting their aims. Conclusion This snapshot provides a comprehensive description of current physical activity program provision for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across Australia. The majority of programs were only identified through the grey literature. Many programs collect evaluation data, yet this is underrepresented in academic literature. So what? Capturing current practice can inform future efforts to increase the impact of physical activity programs to improve health and social indicators. Targeted, culturally relevant programs are essential to reduce levels of disadvantage experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rona Macniven
- Prevention Research Collaboration, School of Public Health, Sydney Medical School (6N52), Level 6 The Hub, Charles Perkins Centre (D17), University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Michelle Elwell
- Australian Indigenous HealthNet, Edith Cowan University, 2 Bradford Street, Mount Lawley, WA 6050, Australia
| | - Kathy Ride
- Australian Indigenous HealthNet, Edith Cowan University, 2 Bradford Street, Mount Lawley, WA 6050, Australia
| | - Adrian Bauman
- Prevention Research Collaboration, School of Public Health, Sydney Medical School (6N52), Level 6 The Hub, Charles Perkins Centre (D17), University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Justin Richards
- Prevention Research Collaboration, School of Public Health, Sydney Medical School (6N52), Level 6 The Hub, Charles Perkins Centre (D17), University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
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Nykiforuk CIJ, Atkey K, Brown S, Caldwell W, Galloway T, Gilliland J, Kongats K, McGavock J, Raine KD. Promotion of physical activity in rural, remote and northern settings: a Canadian call to action. Health Promot Chronic Dis Prev Can 2018; 38:419-435. [PMID: 30430816 PMCID: PMC6262980 DOI: 10.24095/hpcdp.38.11.03] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The lack of policy, practice and research action on physical activity and features of the physical (built and natural) environments in rural, remote and northern settings is a significant threat to population health equity in Canada. This paper presents a synthesis of current evidence on the promotion of physical activity in non-urban settings, outcomes from a national priority-setting meeting, and a preliminary call to action to support the implementation and success of population-level initiatives targeting physical activity in non-urban settings. METHODS We conducted a "synopses of syntheses" scoping review to explore current evidence on physical activity promotion in rural, remote, northern and natural settings. Next, we facilitated a collaborative priority-setting conference with 28 Canadian experts from policy, research and practice arenas to develop a set of priorities on physical activity in rural, remote and northern communities. These priorities informed the development of a preliminary Canadian call to action. RESULTS We identified a limited number of reviews that focused on physical activity and the built environment in rural, remote and northern communities. At the prioritysetting conference, participants representing rural, remote and northern settings identified top priorities for policy, practice and research action to begin to address the gaps and issues noted in the literature. These priorities include self-identifying priorities at the community level; compiling experiences; establishing consistency in research definitions and methods; and developing mentorship opportunities. CONCLUSION Coordinated action across policy, practice and research domains will be essential to the success of the recommendations presented in this call to action.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kayla Atkey
- Alberta Policy Coalition for Chronic Disease Prevention, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Sara Brown
- NWT Association of Communities, Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada
| | - Wayne Caldwell
- School of Environmental Design and Rural Development, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tracey Galloway
- Department of Anthropology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jason Gilliland
- Department of Geography, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Krystyna Kongats
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jonathan McGavock
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Kim D Raine
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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Sushames AJ, Edwards AM, Mein JK, Sinclair KM, Maguire GP. Utility of field-based techniques to assess Indigenous Australians' functional fitness and sedentary time. Public Health 2015; 129:1656-61. [PMID: 26321178 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2015.07.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2015] [Revised: 05/19/2015] [Accepted: 07/12/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the utility of field-based techniques to assess functional exercise capacity and sedentary time in Indigenous and non-Indigenous regional Australian adults. STUDY DESIGN Observational, analytic cohort study. METHODS Ninety six adults residing in regional and remote Australian communities participated in this study (Indigenous n = 61 and non-Indigenous Australians n = 35). Participants undertook a field-based test of functional exercise capacity (6 min walk test; 6 MWT) and wore an accelerometer during waking hours for seven days, provided self-report data on physical activity and sedentary time and rated experiences in regard to the ease of complying with study protocols. RESULTS There were high levels of compliance in this study (Indigenous: 91% and non-Indigenous: 97%). Functional exercise capacity was lower in Indigenous Australians (P < 0.001), and independently associated with advancing age, higher BMI, and indigeneity, with 45% of variability in the 6 MWT distance explained by these factors. The relationship between accelerometer and self-report measures of sedentary behaviour was significant (P < 0.001) but only explained 17% of the total variation. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrated very good compliance for the methods utilised and is the first to report reduced functional exercise capacity in Indigenous people. IMPLICATIONS The field-based techniques from this study demonstrate good utility for larger scale implementation in regional Indigenous populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- A J Sushames
- Sport and Exercise Science, James Cook University, Cairns, Australia
| | - A M Edwards
- James Cook University, Cairns, Australia; University of St Mark & St John, UK.
| | - J K Mein
- James Cook University, Cairns, Australia; Apunipima Cape York Health Council, Cairns, Australia
| | | | - G P Maguire
- James Cook University, Cairns, Australia; Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Thompson SL, Chenhall RD, Brimblecombe JK. Indigenous perspectives on active living in remote Australia: a qualitative exploration of the socio-cultural link between health, the environment and economics. BMC Public Health 2013; 13:473. [PMID: 23672247 PMCID: PMC3662620 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-13-473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2012] [Accepted: 05/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The burden of chronic disease in Indigenous Australia is more than double that of non-Indigenous populations and even higher in remote Northern Territory (NT) communities. Sufficient levels of physical activity are known to reduce the risk of chronic disease and improve the health of those already suffering from chronic disease. It has been identified that effective promotion of physical activity in Indigenous settings requires the diverse cultural perspectives and participation of Indigenous people. However, Indigenous concepts of physical activity are not represented in the public health literature and examples of Indigenous involvement in physical activity promotion are scarce. This study aimed to explore and describe local perspectives, experiences and meanings of physical activity in two remote NT Indigenous communities. METHODS Qualitative research methods guided by ethnographic and participatory action research principles were used. Semi-structured interviews conducted with 23 purposively selected community members were the main source of data, augmented by five commissioned paintings by community-based artists and observations recorded in a journal by the first author. RESULTS The findings reveal that in this cultural context the meaning of physical activity is embedded in socially significant and economically necessary physical engagement with the environment. Participants described physical activities associated with Indigenous natural and cultural resource management, customary spaces, seasonal timing and traditional education as creating and protecting health. These activities were viewed not only as culturally appropriate physical activities that contribute to health but as legitimate, physically active forms of social organisation, education and employment that help to build and maintain relationships, wealth, resources and the environment. CONCLUSION This different construction of physical activity in remote Indigenous communities highlights the importance of involving Indigenous people in the development and implementation of physical activity promotion. Physical activities associated with traditional Indigenous cultural practices and being active 'on country' need to be viewed as legitimate health promotion activities. Exploring further ways to enable Indigenous people in remote NT to be involved in creating viable active livelihoods on 'traditional country' needs to be considered as imperative to health improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon L Thompson
- Menzies School of Health Research; Institute of Advanced Studies, Charles Darwin University, PO Box 41096, Casuarina, Northern Territory 0811, Australia
| | - Richard D Chenhall
- Menzies School of Health Research; Institute of Advanced Studies, Charles Darwin University, PO Box 41096, Casuarina, Northern Territory 0811, Australia
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, 207 Bouverie St, Carlton, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Julie K Brimblecombe
- Menzies School of Health Research; Institute of Advanced Studies, Charles Darwin University, PO Box 41096, Casuarina, Northern Territory 0811, Australia
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Woodman J, Thomas J, Dickson K. How explicable are differences between reviews that appear to address a similar research question? A review of reviews of physical activity interventions. Syst Rev 2012; 1:37. [PMID: 22901701 PMCID: PMC3482390 DOI: 10.1186/2046-4053-1-37] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2012] [Accepted: 07/16/2012] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Systematic reviews are promoted as being important to inform decision-making. However, when presented with a set of reviews in a complex area, how easy is it to understand how and why they may differ from one another? METHODS An analysis of eight reviews reporting evidence on effectiveness of community interventions to promote physical activity. We assessed review quality and investigated overlap of included studies, citation of relevant reviews, consistency in reporting, and reasons why specific studies may be excluded. RESULTS There were 28 included studies. The majority (n = 22; 79%) were included only in one review. There was little cross-citation between reviews (n = 4/28 possible citations; 14%). Where studies appeared in multiple reviews, results were consistently reported except for complex studies with multiple publications. Review conclusions were similar. For most reviews (n = 6/8; 75%), we could explain why primary data were not included; this was usually due to the scope of the reviews. Most reviews tended to be narrow in focus, making it difficult to gain an understanding of the field as a whole. CONCLUSIONS In areas where evaluating impact is known to be difficult, review findings often relate to uncertainty of data and methodologies, rather than providing substantive findings for policy and practice. Systematic 'maps' of research can help identify where existing research is robust enough for multiple in-depth syntheses and also show where new reviews are needed. To ensure quality and fidelity, review authors should systematically search for all publications from complex studies. Other relevant reviews should be searched for and cited to facilitate knowledge-building.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Woodman
- MRC Centre for Epidemiology of Child Health, UCL-Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH, UK.
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Kypri K, Donaldson A, Johnstone E. The physical inactivity matrix: lessons from the classification of physical inactivity interventions. J Sci Med Sport 2006; 9:98-102. [PMID: 16621701 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsams.2006.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Physical inactivity (PI), a leading modifiable cause of disease and injury, is endemic in industrialised nations. Although considerable research has been undertaken in this field, we lack a system to synthesise the research literature to inform policy and identify research needs. The aims of this study were to (1) develop a system to classify physical inactivity intervention studies, (2) examine the distribution of PI interventions published in the peer-reviewed health literature using the system, and (3) consider implications for future research. We developed the Physical Inactivity Matrix (PIM), with 12 intervention points, created by the intersection of two dimensions: the intervention target (individual, physical environment and social/cultural environment) and the activity focus (transport, work/school, leisure and consumer). A formal search of the health research literature identified 529 eligible studies and each was classified into one of the 12 cells of the PIM. Most studies were categorised as: individual-leisure (68%), individual-work/school (12%) or social/cultural environment-leisure (13%). Only 4% targeted the physical environment. The findings of this initial application of the PIM support the call for greater investment in policies, interventions and research that focus on the relationship between the environment and PI, and transportation in particular. There would be merit in establishing the inter-rater reliability of the PIM and applying it to a wider variety of studies, including those published in the transportation and urban planning literatures. The PIM could be a useful tool for monitoring trends in research directions and funding levels over time and across countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kypros Kypri
- School of Medical Practice and Population Health, University of Newcastle, c/o 2 Edison St, Adamstown Heights, NSW 2289, Australia.
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Affiliation(s)
- W J Brown
- School of Human Movement Studies, University of Queensland, Australia
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