Open AccessResults of a culturally relevant, physical activity-based wellness program for urban Indigenous women in Alberta, Canada
Author(s) -
Sonja Wicklum,
Megan Beth Sampson,
Rita Henderson,
Shelley Wiart,
G. Muñoz Pérez,
Ashlee McGuire,
Erin Cameron,
Lynden Crowshoe,
Kerry McBrien,
Elsy Willis
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
international journal of indigenous health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2291-9376
pISSN - 2291-9368
DOI - 10.32799/ijih.v14i2.31890
Subject(s) - indigenous , pedometer , context (archaeology) , gerontology , health equity , anthropometry , socioeconomic status , community health , psychology , physical activity , environmental health , medicine , public health , nursing , physical therapy , geography , population , ecology , archaeology , biology
Increasing physical activity and improving nutrition is challenging for Indigenous women. Their lives are complex and influenced by sociopolitical structures and racism that have yielded family breakdown, socioeconomic inequality, and high levels of poor health. Women Warriors (WW), an eight-week physical activity-based wellness program, was designed to support Indigenous women in their efforts to increase physical activity levels, improve nutrition, and develop support systems to produce good health. To evaluate the impact of the program, we completed a mixed method pre/post evaluation of four program sessions, from January to December 2016. The WW program resulted in increased weekly pedometer step counts, increased nutrition skill acquisition, and improved confidence in exercising as a group and increasing fruit and vegetable consumption. It also produced demonstrable improvements in anthropometrics. Participants developed positive social support systems and learned about the health and social resources available to them in their community. They appreciated that the program motivated them by keeping them accountable and offered opportunity to share their experiences in the context of the sharing circle. The program identified barriers to health change, including lack of resources that support physical activity, healthy eating, and personal stress management. Participants recommended that future programs increase in duration and intensity and offer enhanced nutrition and health education, increased avenues for support system development, and opportunities to network outside of the program. The WW program was well received and shows promise as a practical, community-based method to provide support to Indigenous women interested in increasing positive health behaviours.