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Depression, childhood trauma, and physical activity in older Indigenous Australians
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Depression, childhood trauma, and physical activity in older Indigenous Australians

Georgia Rowland, Emily Hindman, Peter Hassmén, Kylie Radford, Brian Draper, Robert Cumming, Gail Daylight, Gail Garvey, Kim Delbaere and Tony Broe
International Psychogeriatrics, Vol.35(5), pp.259-269
05/2023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/S1041610221000132
PMID: 33715656

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UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This output has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:

#3 Good Health and Well-Being
#5 Gender Equality

Source: InCites

Abstract

Indigenous Australians physical activity childhood trauma depression older adults Psychology Public Health and Health Services Indigenous Health Public Health (excl. Specific Population Health
Objectives: Indigenous Australians experience higher levels of psychological distress compared to the general population. Physical activity is a culturally acceptable approach, associated with reduction of depressive symptoms. The protective properties of physical activity for depressive symptoms are yet to be evaluated in older Indigenous Australians. Design: A two-phase study design comprised of a qualitative thematic analysis following a quantitative regression and moderation analysis. Participants: Firstly, a total of 336 Indigenous Australians aged 60 years and over from five NSW areas participated in assessments on mental health, physical activity participation, and childhood trauma. Secondly, a focus group of seven Indigenous Australians was conducted to evaluate barriers and facilitators to physical activity. Measurements: Regression and moderation analyses examined links between depression, childhood trauma, and physical activity. Thematic analysis was conducted exploring facilitators and barriers to physical activity following the focus group. Results: Childhood trauma severity and intensity of physical activity predicted depressive symptoms. Physical activity did not affect the strength of the relationship between childhood trauma and depression. Family support and low impact activities facilitated commitment to physical activity. In contrast, poor mental health, trauma, and illness acted as barriers. Conclusion: Physical activity is an appropriate approach for reducing depressive symptoms and integral in maintaining health and quality of life. While situational factors, health problems and trauma impact physical activity, accessing low-impact group activities with social support was identified to help navigate these barriers.

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