Cultural connectedness as a determinant of physical activity among Indigenous adults in Saskatchewan.

Publisher: Canadian Science Publishing Country of Publication: Canada NLM ID: 101264333 Publication Model: Print-Electronic Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 1715-5320 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 17155312 NLM ISO Abbreviation: Appl Physiol Nutr Metab Subsets: MEDLINE

Publication: 2011- : Ottawa, ON : Canadian Science Publishing
Original Publication: Ottawa, ON : National Research Council of Canada, c2006-

Culture* ; Exercise* ; Social Identification*; Indians, North American/*psychology; Adolescent ; Adult ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Residence Characteristics ; Saskatchewan ; Social Inclusion ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Young Adult

Cultural connectedness has been associated with increased self-esteem and mental health among Indigenous Peoples. Physical activity is an important contributor to health, although the importance of culture as a determinant of physical activity for Indigenous Peoples in Canada is unclear. The purpose of this study is to evaluate differences in cultural connectedness between Indigenous adults in Canada achieving high and low physical activity levels. Questionnaires evaluated cultural connectedness and physical activity. Indigenous adults were classified into high and low physical activity groups at the specific group mean and as meeting or not meeting musculoskeletal activity guidelines of twice per week. First Nations and specifically Cree/Nehiyaw First Nations adults who were more physically active reported greater identity, spirituality, traditions, exploration, commitment, affirmation/belonging, and overall cultural connectedness. Cultural connectedness elements of commitment, exploration, identity, affirmation/belonging, traditions, spirituality, and overall cultural connectedness were not different between high and low physical activity Métis adults. Musculoskeletal activity was not associated with any elements of cultural connectedness among any Indigenous identity. Cultural connectedness is a protective factor for physical activity among First Nations and Cree/Nehiyaw First Nations adults, but not among Métis adults in Canada. Novelty Musculoskeletal activity was not associated with cultural connectedness. Cultural connectedness is a protective factor of physical activity for First Nations adults. Moving away from one's home community was associated with lower cultural connectedness for Indigenous Peoples.

Keywords: Aboriginal; First Nations; Indigenous; Premières Nations; autochtone; caractéristiques culturelles; cultural characteristics; culture; ethnic groups; exercice; exercise; groupes ethniques

Date Created: 20200125 Date Completed: 20210604 Latest Revision: 20210604

20221213

10.1139/apnm-2019-0793

31977246