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Wright-Pedersen S, Vidgen H, Abigail Badejo F, Gallegos D. The extent and nature of children's involvement in food practice research: a scoping review of qualitative studies. Public Health Nutr 2023; 26:2836-2848. [PMID: 37746758 PMCID: PMC10755441 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980023001891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Aligning with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, amplification of children's voice in food practice research aims to inform initiatives that cater to children's needs and thus improve nutritional outcomes. The aim of this study was to describe children's (aged 6-11 years) involvement across qualitative research investigating their food practice perspectives. DESIGN A scoping review was conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). Six electronic databases were searched up until March 2023 (Cochrane, CINAHL, Embase, ERIC, Medline and PsychInfo). The Wellcome Framework for young people's involvement in health research guided data extraction. Data were described according to inclusiveness, geography, food-related study topic, research stage and method, and child involvement. RESULTS The search identified 120 peer-reviewed studies (134 papers). Active participation was only seen within research implementation stages (i.e. data collection (n 134), analysis (n 31), dissemination (n 9) and re-design (n 7)). More passive forms of participation were identified in research design stages (i.e. agenda setting, resourcing and design). Studies that utilised participatory research methodologies and developmentally appropriate and engaging methods (e.g. PhotoVoice) saw more active participation by children. CONCLUSION This review identified a lack of opportunities for children's active participation in all stages of food practice research. Without a radical shift towards providing these opportunities, food and nutrition initiatives, policies or further research that do not meet the needs of children's food-related worlds will continue to be developed. Instead, researchers and their institutions need to advocate for and, where possible, provide voluntary opportunities for children to actively participate in food practice research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Wright-Pedersen
- Centre for Childhood Nutrition Research, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), 62 Graham Street, South Brisbane, QLD4101, Australia
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), 149 Victoria Park Road, Kelvin Grove, QLD4059, Australia
| | - Helen Vidgen
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), 149 Victoria Park Road, Kelvin Grove, QLD4059, Australia
| | - Foluke Abigail Badejo
- Centre for Childhood Nutrition Research, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), 62 Graham Street, South Brisbane, QLD4101, Australia
| | - Danielle Gallegos
- Centre for Childhood Nutrition Research, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), 62 Graham Street, South Brisbane, QLD4101, Australia
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), 149 Victoria Park Road, Kelvin Grove, QLD4059, Australia
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Health and Wellness Impacts of Traditional Physical Activity Experiences on Indigenous Youth: A Systematic Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17218275. [PMID: 33182405 PMCID: PMC7664942 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17218275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Traditional physical activities have numerous physiological and psychosocial benefits for Indigenous youth around the world. Little is known about the positive health and wellness impacts of traditional physical activity experiences on Indigenous youths. The aim of this systematic review is to explore the holistic health and wellness impacts of traditional physical activities on Indigenous youth from certain North American and Oceania geographic areas. A systematic search of four electronic databases (PubMed, ERIC, Scopus and Web of Science) was conducted to identify peer-reviewed publications of qualitative research exploring the diverse health experiences of traditional physical activities for Indigenous youth in Canada, the United States of America, New Zealand and Australia. A qualitative synthesis of studies between 2006 and 2018 were included, and findings were synthesized using an integrated Indigenous-ecological model, which broadly captures health and wellness impacts under intrapersonal, interpersonal, organizational, community and policy level outcomes using medicine wheel teachings. In total, nine studies were identified via this search. Overall, the literature described numerous emotional, mental and spiritual benefits of traditional physical activity, and youth experiences were affected by familial and communal relationships, and systemic factors. Among Indigenous youth, this research shows the importance of including traditional physical activity in future programs and partnerships with community expertise.
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Kennedy T, Rodd C, Daymont C, Grant CG, Mittermuller BA, Pierce A, Moffatt MEK, Schroth RJ. The association of body mass index and severe early childhood caries in young children in Winnipeg, Manitoba: A cross-sectional study. Int J Paediatr Dent 2020; 30:626-633. [PMID: 32057150 DOI: 10.1111/ipd.12629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Revised: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 02/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Associations between body mass index (BMI) and caries have been reported. AIM To evaluate the direction of the relationship between BMI and severe early childhood caries (S-ECC). DESIGN Children were recruited as part of a larger prospective cohort study assessing changes in nutritional status following dental rehabilitation under general anaesthetic. Pre-operative anthropometric measurements were used to calculate BMI z-scores (BMIz). Operative reports were reviewed to calculate caries scores based on treatment rendered. Analysis included descriptive statistics, bivariate analyses, and simple and multiple linear regression. RESULTS Overall, 150 children were recruited with a mean age of 47.7 ± 14.2 (SD) months; 52% female. Over 42% were at risk for overweight, overweight or obese. Although simple linear regression demonstrated a significant positive association between dmfs score and BMIz, adjusted multiple linear regression found no significant relationship between BMIz and dmfs, but highlighted a relationship between BMI z-score and family income, Registered First Nations Status and physical activity. CONCLUSIONS Although a significant relationship between BMI and S-ECC was not found, poverty was a key confounding variable. As both S-ECC and obesity are known predictors of future disease, it is important for healthcare professionals to identify children at risk. Diet and behaviour modification may play a role in disease prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara Kennedy
- Department of Preventive Dental Science, Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.,Dentistry Department, The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Celia Rodd
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Carrie Daymont
- Penn State Pediatric Hospital Medicine, Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Philadelphia
| | - Cameron G Grant
- Department of Preventive Dental Science, Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Betty-Anne Mittermuller
- Department of Preventive Dental Science, Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.,Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Andrew Pierce
- Department of Preventive Dental Science, Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.,Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Michael E K Moffatt
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.,Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Robert J Schroth
- Department of Preventive Dental Science, Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.,Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.,Section of Pediatric Dentistry, Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
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Thiessen K, Haworth-Brockman M, Stout R, Moffitt P, Gelowitz J, Schneider J, Demczuk L. Indigenous perspectives on wellness and health in Canada: study protocol for a scoping review. Syst Rev 2020; 9:177. [PMID: 32782011 PMCID: PMC7418305 DOI: 10.1186/s13643-020-01428-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Indigenous communities are often portrayed from a deficit-based lens; however, Indigenous communities have self-determined perspectives of health and well-being that are strength based. The objective of this study will be to systematically map the literature on perspectives, concepts, and constructs of wellness and well-being in Indigenous communities in Canada. METHODS A scoping review protocol was designed following the Arksey and O'Malley framework. We will search the following electronic databases (from inception onwards): MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, CINAHL, Academic Search Complete, Anthropology Plus, Bibliography of Native North Americans, Canadian Business and Current Affairs, and Circumpolar Health Bibliographic Database. Grey literature will be identified through searching dissertation databases, Google Scholar, and conference abstracts. We will include all types of literature in English, published and unpublished, including any study design, reviews and meta-analyses, dissertations, reports, and books. The literature considered should describe or reflect Indigenous perspectives that identify concepts or constructs related to well-being or wellness; literature can be from any setting in Canada. Two reviewers will independently screen all citations, full-text reports, and abstract data. Data analysis will involve quantitative descriptions (e.g. frequencies) and qualitative content analysis methods. DISCUSSION This review will provide a synthesis of the literature on Indigenous perspectives, concepts, and constructs of wellness and well-being in Canada. We anticipate the study will contribute to improve our understanding of how Indigenous communities conceptualize and embody wellness. Our findings will provide a basis for engaging Indigenous stakeholders in future health research and informing future interpretations of how wellness is conceptualized, whether written or unwritten.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Thiessen
- College of Nursing, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, 89 Curry Place, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3T 2N2, Canada.
| | - M Haworth-Brockman
- Community Health Sciences, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, 750 Bannatyne Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3E 0W3, Canada
| | - R Stout
- National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health, 3333 University Way, Prince George, British Columbia, V2N 4Z9, Canada
| | - P Moffitt
- Aurora Research Institute/Aurora College, 5004 54th Street, Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, X1A 2R3, Canada
| | - J Gelowitz
- Max Rady Faculty of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, 583 Elgin Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3A 0L2, Canada
| | - J Schneider
- College of Nursing, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, 89 Curry Place, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - L Demczuk
- University of Manitoba Libraries, University of Manitoba, 25 Chancellor's Circle, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3T 0E7, Canada
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Sullivan A, Brewis A, Wutich A. Studying Children's Cultural Knowledge and Behaviors Related to Environment, Health, and Food: Methods for Ethnoecological Research with Children. J ETHNOBIOL 2018. [DOI: 10.2993/0278-0771-38.2.276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Abigail Sullivan
- Decision Center for a Desert City, Arizona State University, 21 E. 6th St., Tempe, AZ, USA, 85281
| | - Alexandra Brewis
- School of Human Evolution and Social Change, Arizona State University
| | - Amber Wutich
- School of Human Evolution and Social Change, Arizona State University
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Kolahdooz F, Sadeghirad B, Corriveau A, Sharma S. Prevalence of overweight and obesity among indigenous populations in Canada: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2017; 57:1316-1327. [PMID: 26566086 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2014.913003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies on overweight and obesity among indigenous peoples in Canada have been inconclusive. A systematic review was conducted on the prevalence of overweight and obesity among Canadian indigenous populations. Major bibliographic databases were searched for relevant studies published between January 1990 and June 2013. We reviewed 594 abstracts and included 41 studies in the meta-analyses. Using the heterogeneity test (Cochrane Q) results, the overall prevalence was estimated using fixed- or random-effects model. Nonadults (<18 years) had a pooled prevalence of overweight and obesity at 29.8% (95% CI: 25.2-34.4) and 26.5% (95% CI: 21.8-31.3), respectively. The pooled prevalence of overweight and obesity among adults were 29.7% (95% CI: 28.2-31.2) and 36.6% (95% CI: 32.9-40.2), respectively. Adult males had higher overweight prevalence than females (34.6% vs. 26.6%), but lower obesity prevalence (31.6% vs. 40.6%). Nonadult girls had higher prevalence than boys [overweight: 27.6%; 95% CI: 22.6-32.7 vs. 24.7%; 95% CI: 19.0-30.5; obesity: 28.6%; 95% CI: 20.3-36.9 vs. 25.1%; 95% CI: 13.8-36.4]. Nonadult Inuit had the highest overweight and lowest obesity prevalence. Although Inuit adult had the lowest prevalence of overweight (28.7%; 95% CI: 27.3-30.2) and obesity (32.3%; 95% CI: 25.5-39.1), it was relatively high. This study highlights the need for nutritional intervention programs for obesity prevention among indigenous populations in Canada.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fariba Kolahdooz
- a Indigenous and Global Health Research Group , Department of Medicine , University of Alberta , Edmonton, Alberta , Canada
| | - Behnam Sadeghirad
- b Research Center for Modeling in Health, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences , Kerman , Iran
| | - André Corriveau
- c Office of the Chief Public Health Officer , Department of Health and Social Services , Government of the Northwest Territories , Yellowknife , Northwest Territories , Canada
| | - Sangita Sharma
- a Indigenous and Global Health Research Group , Department of Medicine , University of Alberta , Edmonton, Alberta , Canada
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Frerichs L, Intolubbe-Chmil L, Brittin J, Teitelbaum K, Trowbridge M, Huang TTK. Children’s Discourse of Liked, Healthy, and Unhealthy Foods. J Acad Nutr Diet 2016; 116:1323-31. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jand.2016.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2015] [Accepted: 01/20/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Genuis SK, Willows N, Jardine CG. Partnering with Indigenous student co-researchers: improving research processes and outcomes. Int J Circumpolar Health 2015. [PMID: 26220850 PMCID: PMC4518162 DOI: 10.3402/ijch.v74.27838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To examine the contribution of student co-researchers to a community-based participatory Photovoice investigation of Indigenous children's food-related lived experience. We examine co-researchers’ contributions to the research process, their role in knowledge co-generation and dissemination, and factors that fostered research partnership with the teenage co-researchers. Methods High school students attending a First Nation community school in Canada were trained as research partners. They contributed to aspects of research design, conducted interviews with grades 3 and 4 Photovoice participants, and participated in data analysis and the development of a culturally relevant photobook. The study was initiated by the community's research committee. It is informed by critical consciousness theory and the positive youth development framework. Results Student co-researchers incorporated culturally appropriate strategies as they interviewed participants. Co-researchers adopted conversational approaches, built rapport by articulating personal and cultural connections, and engaged in mentoring and health promotion as they interviewed participants. They made critical contributions to dissemination by developing photobook content that promoted the importance of traditional foods and the vital role of family and community in healthy eating practices. Relationships and “dialogic” space were important to building partnership with and promoting capacity development among youth co-researchers. Conclusions Partnership between university researchers and Indigenous student co-researchers holds great promise for health promotion in communities. Co-researchers developed research and leadership skills, gained understanding of health challenges facing their community, and initiated health and cultural promotion through the project's Photobook. This investigation supports the powerful potential of student co-researchers to meaningfully contribute to research processes and to build knowledge that is relevant and credible both within and outside of their communities. Findings have implications for youth, communities and researchers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelagh K Genuis
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada;
| | - Noreen Willows
- Faculty of Agricultural, Life & Environmental Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | | | - Cindy G Jardine
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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Kolahdooz F, Nader F, Yi KJ, Sharma S. Understanding the social determinants of health among Indigenous Canadians: priorities for health promotion policies and actions. Glob Health Action 2015; 8:27968. [PMID: 26187697 PMCID: PMC4506643 DOI: 10.3402/gha.v8.27968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2015] [Revised: 06/05/2015] [Accepted: 06/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Indigenous Canadians have a life expectancy 12 years lower than the national average and experience higher rates of preventable chronic diseases compared with non-Indigenous Canadians. Transgenerational trauma from past assimilation policies have affected the health of Indigenous populations. Objective The purpose of this paper is to comprehensively examine the social determinants of health (SDH), in order to identify priorities for health promotion policies and actions. Design We undertook a series of systematic reviews focusing on four major SDH (i.e. income, education, employment, and housing) among Indigenous peoples in Alberta, following the protocol Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis-Equity. Results We found that the four SDH disproportionately affect the health of Indigenous peoples. Our systematic review highlighted 1) limited information regarding relationships and interactions among income, personal and social circumstances, and health outcomes; 2) limited knowledge of factors contributing to current housing status and its impacts on health outcomes; and 3) the limited number of studies involving the barriers to, and opportunities for, education. Conclusions These findings may help to inform efforts to promote health equity and improve health outcomes of Indigenous Canadians. However, there is still a great need for in-depth subgroup studies to understand SDH (e.g. age, Indigenous ethnicity, dwelling area, etc.) and intersectoral collaborations (e.g. community and various government departments) to reduce health disparities faced by Indigenous Canadians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fariba Kolahdooz
- Aboriginal and Global Health Research Group, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Forouz Nader
- Aboriginal and Global Health Research Group, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Kyoung J Yi
- School of Human Kinetics and Recreation, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada
| | - Sangita Sharma
- Aboriginal and Global Health Research Group, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada;
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Physical Activity and Fitness of First Nations Youth in a Remote and Isolated Northern Ontario Community: A Needs Assessment. J Community Health 2015; 41:46-56. [PMID: 26175076 DOI: 10.1007/s10900-015-0063-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Among a group of First Nations youth, this research aimed to obtain objective measures of anthropometry, physical activity (PA) and fitness; to identify any group-level differences by sex, body mass index, waist circumference and body fat categories; to assess the barriers and supports to PA. Youth participated in anthropometric measures (BMI, waist circumference, body fat percentage), PA assessment (3 days of accelerometry) and fitness testing (guided by the Canadian Physical Activity, Fitness and Lifestyle Approach). Barriers and supports were assessed via environmental scan and focus groups. Descriptive statistics were compared to reference data. Group differences by sex, BMI status, waist circumference and body fat categories were tested using Mann-Whitney U and Chi square tests (p ≤ 0.05). Qualitative data were assembled into one file and coded manually for categories and themes. Seventy-two youth (12.1 ± 1.1 years, 61.1% male) participated in at least one measure; 36 completed the accelerometry. Sixty-three percent were overweight or obese, 51% were abdominally obese and 21% had excess body fat. Most (86.1%) met Canada's PA guidelines. Boys were more active than girls (p = 0.025) and had greater cardiorespiratory endurance (p = 0.003). Overweight, obese, or abdominally obese youth had lower cardiorespiratory endurance than normal weight youth (p < 0.001). Barriers and supports fell under the main themes: motivation, role models, personnel and facilities, environment and programs. Based on this assessment, youth in this community are active, but not sufficiently physically fit, especially among those affected by obesity and abdominal obesity. The findings, in addition to the numerous barriers to PA, support the community's desire for school-based PA programming.
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Genuis SK, Willows N, Jardine C. Through the lens of our cameras: children's lived experience with food security in a Canadian Indigenous community. Child Care Health Dev 2015; 41:600-10. [PMID: 25074624 DOI: 10.1111/cch.12182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/30/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The related issues of food security and obesity among North American Indigenous children are serious public health concerns. This community-based participatory study sought to gain deeper understanding of young First Nation children's lived experience with food and to learn, from their perspective, about food security issues in their community. METHODS In this Photovoice investigation 26 young children attending a rural reserve school in Canada were asked to take photographs of the food they ate. Nine high school students from the same school were trained as co-researchers: they interviewed the younger students, helped identify emerging themes and contributed to knowledge translation. Data analysis incorporated conventional content analysis, grounded theory's constant-comparative method, and examination of photos and texts. RESULTS Five primary findings emerged from photographs and interviews: (1) children had a dualistic understanding of healthy vs. unhealthy foods; (2) packaged, quick-preparation foods played a dominant role in children's everyday food experiences; (3) families were critical to children's food-related experiences; (4) although traditional foods are viewed as central to Aboriginal health, few were depicted in the photographs; and (5) photos do not tell the whole story - despite the smaller numbers of fruits and vegetables in photos, children like to eat these foods when they are available at home. CONCLUSIONS The study improved understanding of children's everyday food-related experiences, provided insight into community food security, and demonstrated the contribution of children and youth as experts on their lives and matters affecting them. A photobook representing findings provided a rich, visual tool for communicating the food-related experiences of children and messages about healthy eating within the school and to community members and leaders. Intervention efforts can build on participants' understanding of healthy versus unhealthy foods and on the critical role of family for healthy eating.
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Affiliation(s)
- S K Genuis
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, 3-094 Edmonton Clinic Health Academy (ECHA), Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - N Willows
- Faculty of Agricultural, Life & Environmental Sciences, 4-378 Edmonton Clinic Health Academy (ECHA), Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | | | - C Jardine
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, 3-094 Edmonton Clinic Health Academy (ECHA), Edmonton, AB, Canada
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Kerpan ST, Humbert ML, Henry CJ. Determinants of Diet for Urban Aboriginal Youth. Health Promot Pract 2014; 16:392-400. [DOI: 10.1177/1524839914557862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Overweight and obesity are associated with several life-threating comorbidities, including type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Obesity is a growing health concern in North America, with some groups experiencing higher levels of obesity than others. One group of particular interest is urban Aboriginal youth because they are a quickly growing population who experience high rates of obesity. Obesity is a complex condition with many contributing factors, diet being one of the primary contributors. In this article, we discuss the findings from an ethnographic study that examined determinants of diet for urban Aboriginal youth. Results revealed two themes: (a) Traditions and Sharing, and (b) The Struggle. The findings with Traditions and Sharing showed that food-sharing networks are often used to acquire traditional food. Traditional foods were believed to be healthy and desired by the participants. The theme The Struggle provides insight into the daily challenges the participants faced with food insecurity. Health promotion professionals need to consider the multiplicity of determinants of diet for urban Aboriginal youth in order to plan and implement culturally appropriate health promotion programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serene T. Kerpan
- College of Kinesiology University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - M. Louise Humbert
- College of Kinesiology University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Carol J. Henry
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
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