Keeping kids safe: caregivers' perspectives on the determinants of physical activity in rural Indigenous communities

Abstract

Introduction: Physical activity is one way to ameliorate thedisproportionately high obesity rates among Indigenous childrenyet little is known about the determinants of physical activity inFirst Nation communities.Methods: A socioecological approach was used to explore thedeterminants that influence physical activity among Indigenouschildren in six First Nation communities in north-eastern Ontario,Canada. A thematic analysis of eight focus groups with 33caregivers of Indigenous children was conducted.Results: Caregivers reported that the present patterns of physicalactivity among children are different from previous generations,who were physically active through walking, outside play and physically demanding chores. Changes in lifestyles, influenced bythe consequences of colonization, have resulted in reducedphysical activity. Three themes emerged as present dayimpediments to physical activity: recreational technology,caregivers’ safety concerns, and barriers to community activation.Conclusion: There is a dynamic interrelationship among theproximal, intermediate and distal determinants of children’sphysical activity with colonial policies continuing to have impactsin the participating First Nation communities. Communitygenerated research and strategies are important ways toameliorate physical inactivity and obesity among First Nationchildren