Social determinants associated with physical activity among Indigenous adults at the University of Saskatchewan

Abstract

Colonization impacts Indigenous Peoples’ way of life, culture, language, community structure and social networks. Links between social determinants of health and physical activity (PA) among Indigenous Peoples in Saskatchewan, with 16% Indigenous residents, are unclear. This cross-sectional study, guided by Indigenous Community Advisors, compared moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA), traditional Indigenous PA and musculoskeletal PA with social determinants of Indigenous (n = 124), including First Nations (n = 80, including 57 Cree/Nehiyawak) and Métis (n = 41), adults in Saskatchewan. Participants completed Godin-Shephard Leisure-Time PA, Social Support Index and traditional Indigenous PA participation questionnaires. Regression associated positive perception of social support with MVPA (R = 0.306, p = 0.02), while residential school experiences (R = 0.338, p = 0.02) and community support (R = 0.412, p = 0.01) were associated with traditional Indigenous PA participation. Among Métis, discrimination experiences were associated with traditional Indigenous PA participation (R = 0.459, p = 0.01). Traditional Indigenous PA participation was associated with community support among First Nations (R = 0.263, p = 0.04), and also foster care placement (R = 0.480, p = 0.01) for Cree/Nehiyawak First Nations specifically. Among Cree/Nehiyawak, family support (R = 0.354, p = 0.04), discrimination experiences (R = 0.531, p = 0.01) and positive perceptions of support (R = 0.610, p = 0.003) were associated with musculoskeletal PA. Greater community, family and perceived social support, and experiences of discrimination, residential school and foster care are associated with more PA for Indigenous Peoples. Novelty: Positive support perceptions predict physical activity among Indigenous Peoples. Family support, discrimination experiences and positive support perceptions predict physical activity for Cree/Nehiyawak First Nations. Traditional physical activity was predicted by residential school experiences and community support (Indigenous Peoples), discrimination experiences (Métis), community support (First Nations), and foster care experiences (Cree/Nehiyawak).