Aboriginal Adolescent Physical Activity, Social and Emotional Well-Being, Culture, and Community Activities: The Next Generation Study in Australia.

BACKGROUND

Physical activity benefits adolescent health and well-being, known holistically as social and emotional well-being (SEWB) to Aboriginal people. However, little is known about the associations between physical activity and SEWB among Aboriginal adolescents. The "Next Generation: Youth Well-Being (NextGen) Study" is a cohort study of Aboriginal people aged 10-24 years in Australia. We aimed to examine associations between physical activity and SEWB, and cultural engagement and community connection among NextGen participants.

METHODS

Prior to recruiting participants, partnerships and relationships were developed with Aboriginal community organizations. Participant recruitment and self-reported data collection through questionnaires using established tools were led by Aboriginal youth peer researchers. Logistic regression estimated odds ratios for engaging in higher levels of physical activity (3-7 d vs 0-2 d) according to SEWB, culture, and community factors; models were adjusted for sex, age, and state/territory.

RESULTS

Of 1154 adolescents, 517 (45%) engaged in 3 to 7 days of physical activity. Factors associated with higher odds of physical activity were having good to excellent self-rated health; higher resilience; a lower risk Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire score; regular community group/club participation, team sport, individual sport, or church/religious activities in the past 12 months; and perception of activities for young people to do in their community.

CONCLUSION

Physical activity participation was favorably associated with a holistic range of measures of adolescent health and well-being. These findings provide valuable insights for Aboriginal adolescent program and policy design and delivery. The follow-up of participants in this cohort study will allow for examination of causal associations.