Associations of Cultural Characteristics with Sedentary Behaviour and Screen Time Among Indigenous Adults in Saskatchewan.

BACKGROUND: Indigenous Peoples: First Nations, Métis and Inuit, have experienced significant disruptions of physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health and well-being through centuries of ongoing colonization and assimilation. Consequently, breakdown of cultural connections, increasingly sedentary lifestyles and high levels of screen time contribute to health inequity experiences. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to examine associations of cultural connectedness with sedentary behaviour and the influence of relocation from home communities for Indigenous Peoples in Saskatchewan. METHODS: Cultural connectedness, sedentary and screen time behaviour were evaluated through online questionnaires among 106 Indigenous adults. Within Indigenous identities, 2 × 2 factorial ANOVA compared cultural connectedness scores with sedentary behaviour and traditional activity participation by relocation from home communities. RESULTS: Among First Nations and specifically Cree/Nehiyawak who relocated from home communities, positive associations of cultural connectedness scores with sedentary behaviour and screen time were identified, with no associations identified among those not relocating. Among Métis who did not relocate, greater ethnic identity, identity, spirituality and cultural connectedness (57.8 ± 5.36 vs. 81.25 ± 16.8; p = 0.02) scores were reported among those reporting 5 or more hours of continuous sitting. CONCLUSIONS: Cultural connectedness associations with sedentary behaviour depend on relocation from home communities and differ between First Nations and Métis. Understanding associations of sedentary behaviour specific to First Nations and Métis populations may enable appropriate strategies to improve health outcomes.

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

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).