Play sport, live better! A game changer towards closing the gap for First Nation Australian men

Background. Closing the gap in health disparity between First Nations and other peoples is a global priority echoed throughout Australian states and territories. First Nation Australian men, who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, have poorer health outcomes compared to other men largely due to health risk factors. Closing the gap for these men is often addressed through health promoting programs, some of which include physical activities and sports. First Nation Australian men derive benefit from sports participation that contributes to retaining traditional cultural roles, eroded since colonisation, that promote health, wellbeing and quality of life. Hence, the four-stage research project Play sport, live better! uses sport as a vehicle to close the gap for First Nation Australian men. The research need was informed by face-to-face meetings with local community stakeholders and a systematic review. The research was then a focus area for the First Nation community based on local health information, priorities, capacity and interest. Each research stage informed the next to design, implement and evaluate an evidence-based and self-determined sport program. This presentation focuses on stage three, the community designed sport program based on traditional Indigenous games, Gibir Galangur Program, implemented on Gubbi Gubbi land in rural-regional Queensland.
Aims. To investigate the effectiveness of a sport program on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and physical activity outcomes in First Nation Australian men and to explore participants’ experience following program engagement.
Methods. Mixed-methods pre-post pilot study. Qualitative data: collected post-program using yarning. Quantitative data: collected pre-post program using questionnaires. Triangulated data using effect side determined clinical significance.
Results. Qualitative themes: participants liked the cultural aspects, goal setting and variety elements of the sport program and the supportive and inclusive philosophy that enabled participation. The personal benefits of increased connectedness, belonging, self-belief, confidence, motivation, and inspiration also enhanced participation. Personal limitations and availability impeded participation and participants sought full group participation and a longer continuing program. Clinically significant quantitative outcomes: HRQoL (emotional well-being and perceived health change) and physical activity (leisure-time exercise) approached a medium effect size whereas HRQoL (social functioning and role limitations due to personal and emotional problems) approached a smaller effect size.
Implications. Mental health was the big winner. The sport program was effective at improving mental and social HRQoL domains and increasing physical activity in First Nation Australian men, a vital reason given the health status of First Nation Australian men, to encourage sports participation.