Mastery, Stress, and Health in Indigenous Australians
Author Information
Author(s): Daniel Mark, Alex Brown, Dhurrkay J Garnggulkpuy, Margaret D Cargo, Kerin O'Dea
Primary Institution: Menzies School of Health Research
Hypothesis
This study evaluated associations between mastery, perceived stress, and health-related behaviour for a remote Indigenous population in Australia.
Conclusion
The study provides additional support for a link between mastery and health-related behaviour in a remote Indigenous population.
Supporting Evidence
- Mastery was inversely correlated with perceived stress measures.
- Individuals aged ≥25 years engaging in ≤2 bouts of physical activity/week had lower mastery than those engaging in ≥3 bouts/week.
- Individuals <25 years engaging in ≤2 bouts of physical activity/week had greater mastery than those engaging in ≥3 bouts/week.
Takeaway
This study found that feeling in control of your life (mastery) is important for health, especially for older Indigenous Australians.
Methodology
Data on mastery, perceived stress, physical activity, and fruit and vegetable consumption were collected from 177 participants in a community-based chronic disease risk factor survey.
Potential Biases
Potential selection bias due to reliance on volunteers and possible reporting bias in self-reported data.
Limitations
The study is cross-sectional, which limits causal inferences, and relies on self-reported data, which may introduce bias.
Participant Demographics
Participants ranged in age from 15 to 75 years, with a mean age of 35.6 years; the sample included both men and women.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p < 0.009
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 13.7–15.8 for lower mastery and 15.3–19.0 for higher mastery in physical activity.
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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