Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adult physical activity and sport participation: facilitators and barriers

Oral Presentation A9.5

Authors

  • Rona Macniven University of New South Wales
  • Bridget Allen Neuroscience Research Australia
  • Karla Canuto South Australia Health and Medical Research Institute; University of Adelaide
  • Ebony Lewis University of New South Wales; Neuroscience Research Australia
  • Josephine Gwynn University of Sydney
  • Kylie Radford University of New South Wales; Neuroscience Research Australia
  • Kim Delbaere University of New South Wales; Neuroscience Research Australia
  • Justin Richards Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington
  • Nigel Lovell University of New South Wales
  • Michelle Dickson University of Sydney
  • John Evans University of Technology Sydney

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.418

Keywords:

Indigenous, First Nations, Exercise, Population Health, Australia

Abstract

Background: Physical activity has cultural significance as well as population health and other benefits. A range of factors may influence Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adult participation. Purpose: This mixed methods systematic review synthesised existing evidence on facilitators and barriers for physical activity participation experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults. Methods: Joanna Briggs Institute methodology was used. A systematic search was undertaken of 11 databases and 14 grey literature websites during 2020. Included studies reported physical activity facilitators and barriers experienced by Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander participants aged 18+ years, living in their usual community. We also examined Indigenous capacity building characteristics of studies and appraised studies using the Mixed Method Appraisal Tool (MMAT) and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Quality Appraisal Tool (QAT). Results: Twenty-seven studies met inclusion criteria, 22 studies involved local Indigenous communities, of which nine collaborated with local Indigenous organisations. Study methodological quality was generally high according to the MMAT but much poorer or unclear from an Indigenous appraisal perspective. Sixty-two different facilitators and 63 different barriers were identified across individual, interpersonal, community/environmental and policy/program themes. Prominent facilitators included support from family, friends, and program staff, and opportunities to connect with community or culture. Prominent barriers included a lack of transport, financial constraints, lack of time, and overriding work, family or cultural commitments. Conclusions: Strategies to increase physical activity participation should seek to enhance facilitators and address barriers, collaboratively with communities and with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership. Funding: This research was supported by funding from the UNSW Ageing Futures Institute.

Published

2021-09-30

How to Cite

Macniven, R., Allen, B., Canuto, K., Lewis, E., Gwynn, J., Radford, K., Delbaere, K., Richards, J., Lovell, N., Dickson, M., & Evans, J. (2021). Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adult physical activity and sport participation: facilitators and barriers: Oral Presentation A9.5. The Health & Fitness Journal of Canada, 14(3). https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.418

Issue

Vol. 14 No. 3 (2021): Proceedings from the 8th International Society for Physical Activity and Health Congress

Section

CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS

License

Copyright (c) 2021 Rona Macniven, Bridget Allen, Karla Canuto, Ebony Lewis, Josephine Gwynn, Kylie Radford, Kim Delbaere, Justin Richards, Nigel Lovell, Michelle Dickson, John Evans

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