Knowledge and Sources of Assistance for Physical Activity in Urban Indigenous Australians
Author Information
Author(s): Marshall Alison L, Hunt Julian, Jenkins David
Primary Institution: School of Public Health, Queensland University of Technology
Hypothesis
To examine urban Indigenous Australians' knowledge of the current Physical Activity Guidelines (PAG) and identify their preferred sources of assistance or advice regarding physical activity.
Conclusion
Urban Indigenous Australians have similar levels of knowledge regarding the PAG to non-Indigenous Australians, but the option of accumulating 10-minute activity bouts needs to be better communicated to younger Indigenous people.
Supporting Evidence
- 92% to 88% of participants agreed with the statements regarding physical activity guidelines.
- Older participants were more likely to agree that 'blocks of 10 minutes of activity are OK'.
- Higher educated participants were more likely to agree that 'brisk walking for half an hour most days was good for health'.
- Most participants preferred advice from health professionals or groups to be active with.
Takeaway
This study found that many urban Indigenous Australians know about physical activity guidelines, but younger people need clearer information about short bursts of activity being okay.
Methodology
Self-completed questionnaires were used to collect data on demographics and knowledge of physical activity guidelines.
Potential Biases
Responses may be influenced by social desirability bias.
Limitations
The study was limited to Indigenous adults living in suburban Brisbane, which may not represent other urban Indigenous groups.
Participant Demographics
Participants included 145 Aboriginals, 18 Torres Strait Islanders, and 15 Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islanders, with 40% men and 60% women.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p = .04; p = .02
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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