Leading journal picks up 'migrant health' article
Published on 19 March, 2009
The leading international Sports Medicine journal has picked up an article co-authored* by CQUniversity researchers Dr Cristina Caperchione and Professor Kerry Mummery...
The pair from our Institute for Health and Social Science Research are enthusiastic about the response to their article entitled, 'Physical Activity in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Migrant Groups to Western Society: A Review of Barriers, Enablers and Experiences'.
A lead article in the edition, the report reviews research outlining the barriers, challenges and enablers of physical activity in these migrant groups who have recently migranted to Western society.
The authors find that a close examination of data reveals burdens of disease particular to these groups, as they adjust to both culture and modernisation gaps.
Despite increased health risks, they are are less likely to be proactive in accessing healthcare or undertaking preventative measures to ensure optimal health outcomes.
The article goes on to identify key strategies to increase physical activity participation for these individuals.
"Strategies that may assist with overcoming these challenges and barriers consist of the need for cultural sensitivity, the provision of education sessions addressing health behaviours, encouraging participation of individuals from the same culture, exploration of employment situational variables, and the implementation of `Health Action Zones' in [migrant] communities." it says.
* Other contributors were from the School of Biomedical and Health Sciences at the University of Western Sydney.
