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Indigenous Australians Perceptions’ of Physical Activity: A Qualitative Systematic Review

Author

Listed:
  • Emma E. Dahlberg

    (Western Australian Centre for Rural Health, University of Western Australia. P.O. Box 109, Geraldton WA 6531, Australia)

  • Sandra J. Hamilton

    (Western Australian Centre for Rural Health, University of Western Australia. P.O. Box 109, Geraldton WA 6531, Australia)

  • Fatuma Hamid

    (Western Australian Centre for Rural Health, University of Western Australia. P.O. Box 109, Geraldton WA 6531, Australia)

  • Sandra C. Thompson

    (Western Australian Centre for Rural Health, University of Western Australia. P.O. Box 109, Geraldton WA 6531, Australia)

Abstract

Given poorer health and higher rates of chronic disease seen in Indigenous populations around the world and the evidence linking exercise with health and wellbeing, recommendations for encouraging and increasing Indigenous people’s participation in physical activity are needed. This paper systematically reviews published qualitative research papers exploring issues related to the perspectives of Indigenous Australians around physical activity. Key terms relevant to attitudes, beliefs, and perceptions of Indigenous Australians on physical activity and sport were explored in 11 electronic bibliographic databases including EMBASE, Medline and Web of Science. Of the 783 studies screened, eight qualitative studies met the selection criteria; only one was exclusively undertaken in a rural setting. Four major themes emerged: family and community, culture and environment, sport, and gender differences. Men highlighted sport and going on walkabout as preferred types of physical activity while women preferred family-focused activities and activities and support for women's sport. Several studies found exercise was supported when in the context of family and community but was considered shameful when done only for oneself. Sport was regarded as playing an influential role in bringing communities together. Group, community, or family activities were desired forms of physical activity with the environment they are conducted in of high importance. These findings should inform future research and intervention programs aimed at addressing the physical activity levels of Indigenous Australians and may be relevant to other Indigenous populations.

Suggested Citation

  • Emma E. Dahlberg & Sandra J. Hamilton & Fatuma Hamid & Sandra C. Thompson, 2018. "Indigenous Australians Perceptions’ of Physical Activity: A Qualitative Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(7), pages 1-13, July.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:15:y:2018:i:7:p:1492-:d:158023
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Lamia Akbar & Aleksandra M. Zuk & Leonard J. S. Tsuji, 2020. "Health and Wellness Impacts of Traditional Physical Activity Experiences on Indigenous Youth: A Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(21), pages 1-17, November.
    2. Lydia See & Rohan L. Rasiah & Rachael Laing & Sandra C. Thompson, 2021. "Considerations in Planning Physical Activity for Older Adults in Hot Climates: A Narrative Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(3), pages 1-18, February.
    3. Tom Bergen & Alice Hyun Min Kim & Anja Mizdrak & Louise Signal & Geoff Kira & Justin Richards, 2023. "Determinants of Future Physical Activity Participation in New Zealand Adolescents across Sociodemographic Groups: A Descriptive Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(11), pages 1-16, May.

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