A New Paradigm for Assessing the Relationship Between Indigenous Wellbeing and Health: A Meta-analytical Study of Critical Factors in a Global Context

Indigenous people experience health inequalities across the continuum of health services all over the world. A limited number of meta-analyses are available on indigenous wellbeing. This study contributes to the existing literature by exploring the relationship between indigenous wellbeing and health through meta-analysis. A random effect size of 27 independent samples is analyzed. From the 96 effect size, a significant positive relationship is observed between indigenous wellbeing and health (r = 0.07). Moderator analysis showed a significant effect of journal rank, the country's development status, and gender on the relationship between indigenous wellbeing and health. The meta-analysis indicates a significant relationship between indigenous wellbeing and health, migration, education, community, quality of life, and occupation. A definite conclusion on these outcomes is challenging to infer due to limited studies. Limitations include cross-sectional design and disparities in data collection techniques. Research suggests that a strengths-based approach can be a highly effective method for changing narratives of indigenous health. Moreover, it provides an alternative way to deal with health issues affecting indigenous people.