Enhancing Health Outcomes for Māori Elders Through an Intergenerational Cultural Exchange and Physical Activity Programme: A Cross-Sectional Baseline Study

Date
2023-12-12
Authors
Oetzel, JG
Zhang, Y
Nock, S
Meha, P
Huriwaka, H
Vercoe, M
Tahu, T
Urlich, J
Warbrick, R
Brown, G
Supervisor
Item type
Journal Article
Degree name
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Frontiers Media SA
Abstract

Background: The study offers baseline data for a strengths-based approach emphasizing intergenerational cultural knowledge exchange and physical activity developed through a partnership with kaumātua (Māori elders) and kaumātua service providers. The study aims to identify the baseline characteristics, along with correlates of five key outcomes.

Methods: The study design is a cross-sectional survey. A total of 75 kaumātua from six providers completed two physical functioning tests and a survey that included dependent variables based in a holistic model of health: health-related quality of life (HRQOL), self-rated health, spirituality, life satisfaction, and loneliness.

Results: The findings indicate that there was good reliability and moderate scores on most variables. Specific correlates included the following: (a) HRQOL: emotional support (β = 0.31), and frequent interaction with a co-participant (β = 0.25); (b) self-rated health: frequency of moderate exercise (β = 0.32) and sense of purpose (β = 0.27); (c) spirituality: sense of purpose (β = 0.46), not needing additional help with daily tasks (β = 0.28), and level of confidence with cultural practices (β = 0.20); (d) life satisfaction: sense of purpose (β = 0.57), frequency of interaction with a co-participant (β = −0.30), emotional support (β = 0.25), and quality of relationship with a co-participant (β = 0.16); and (e) lower loneliness: emotional support (β = 0.27), enjoyment interacting with a co-participant (β = 0.25), sense of purpose (β = 0.24), not needing additional help with daily tasks (β = 0.28), and frequency of moderate exercise (β = 0.18).

Conclusion: This study provides the baseline scores and correlates of important social and health outcomes for the He Huarahi Tautoko (Avenue of Support) programme, a strengths-based approach for enhancing cultural connection and physical activity.

Description
Keywords
health equity , health-related quality of life , indigenous aging , older Māori health , physical activity , 4203 Health Services and Systems , 4206 Public Health , 42 Health Sciences , Clinical Research , Mind and Body , Basic Behavioral and Social Science , Behavioral and Social Science , 3 Good Health and Well Being , 1117 Public Health and Health Services , 4203 Health services and systems , 4206 Public health
Source
Frontiers in Public Health, ISSN: 2296-2565 (Print); 2296-2565 (Online), Frontiers Media SA, 11, 1307685-. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1307685
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