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

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  15 March 2021

Georgia Rowland ,
Emily Hindman ,
Peter Hassmén ,
Kylie Radford ,
Brian Draper Open the ORCID record for Brian Draper [Opens in a new window] ,
Robert Cumming ,
Gail Daylight ,
Gail Garvey ,
Kim Delbaere  and
Tony Broe
Georgia Rowland*
Affiliation:
Southern Cross University, School of Health and Human Sciences, Australia
Emily Hindman
Affiliation:
Southern Cross University, School of Health and Human Sciences, Australia Abcare, Australia
Peter Hassmén
Affiliation:
Southern Cross University, School of Health and Human Sciences, Australia
Kylie Radford
Affiliation:
Neuroscience Research Australia, Australia University of New South Wales, NSW, Australia
Brian Draper
Affiliation:
University of New South Wales, NSW, Australia Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, NSW, Australia
Robert Cumming
Affiliation:
University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
Gail Daylight
Affiliation:
Neuroscience Research Australia, Australia
Gail Garvey
Affiliation:
Menzies School of Health Research, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
Kim Delbaere
Affiliation:
Neuroscience Research Australia, Australia University of New South Wales, NSW, Australia
Tony Broe
Affiliation:
Neuroscience Research Australia, Australia University of New South Wales, NSW, Australia
*
Correspondence should be addressed to: Georgia Rowland, School of Health and Human Sciences, Southern Cross University, Hogbin Drive, Coffs Harbour, NSW 2450, Australia. Phone: + 61411162415. Email: georgialee.rowland@gmail.com. Received 2 Mar 2020; revised version received 11 Nov 2020; accepted 19 Jan 2021.
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Abstract

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.

Keywords

Indigenous Australiansphysical activitychildhood traumadepressionolder adults
Type
Original Research Article
Information
International Psychogeriatrics , Volume 35 , Special Issue 5: Issue Theme: Social Determinants of Mental and Cognitive Health in Older Adults , May 2023 , pp. 259 - 269
Copyright
© International Psychogeriatric Association 2021

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