The Impact of Land-Based Physical Activity Interventions on Self-Reported Health and Well-Being of Indigenous Adults: A Systematic Review.

Fatima Ahmed,Aleksandra M Zuk,Leonard J.S Tsuji

doi:10.3390/ijerph18137099

Abstract

For many Indigenous communities, decreased participation in traditional land-based activities has led to higher rates of chronic disease and a decrease in well-being. This systematic review explores how traditional land-based activities impact self-reported health and well-being of Indigenous adults, using Indigenous and Western perspectives. A search of three electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) identified nine studies which explored the experiences and perspectives of Indigenous adults taking part in land-based subsistence and ceremonial activities. A thematic analysis of these studies identified many interconnected physical, spiritual, mental, emotional, and community benefits. Community engagement throughout all stages of the interventions was an important factor in effectively addressing challenges and barriers stemming from colonization, decreased knowledge transfer, and increased use of technology. Participants reported developing more effective stress management techniques, a greater awareness of modifiable risk factors along with increased engagement with Elders. Ultimately, land-based subsistence and ceremonial activities were identified as playing an influential role in the lives of Indigenous adults. The involvement of community members allowed for the development of more culturally relevant interventions. Future community-specific research is needed to increase engagement in traditional physical-activities, improve well-being and overall reduce the risk of chronic disease.

Highlights

Connection with the land has always been a fundamental part of the health and wellbeing of Indigenous communities [1]
This was observed in a study by Hossain and Lamb [5], which found that providing support and opportunities for traditional activities, such as arts, crafts, hunting and fishing, led to greater psychological well-being for Indigenous people in Canada living in non-metropolitan areas
The search strategy included terms related to Indigenous populations (Tribal, Native, etc.) or an equivalent term specific to their geographic location, traditional land-based activities and terms related to self-reported health and well-being

Summary

Introduction

Connection with the land has always been a fundamental part of the health and wellbeing of Indigenous communities [1]. The notion of cultural identity relating to well-being was first articulated in research by Durkheim [3], who stressed the importance of culture in defining an individual This idea, has been longstanding in Indigenous teachings such as the medicine wheel, which is used in some cultures, and serves as a metaphor for a diverse range of spiritual concepts. In Western approaches to health, it has only been recently acknowledged that Indigenous culture, identity, and lifestyle are deeply rooted in their land, and their wellbeing [6,7] This was observed in a study by Hossain and Lamb [5], which found that providing support and opportunities for traditional activities, such as arts, crafts, hunting and fishing, led to greater psychological well-being for Indigenous people in Canada living in non-metropolitan areas

Methods

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Discussion

Conclusion