Keeping kids safe: caregivers' perspectives on the determinants of physical activity in rural Indigenous communities

INTRODUCTION: Physical activity is one way to ameliorate the disproportionately high obesity rates among Indigenous children yet little is known about the determinants of physical activity in First Nation communities. METHODS: A socioecological approach was used to explore the determinants that influence physical activity among Indigenous children in six First Nation communities in north-eastern Ontario, Canada. A thematic analysis of eight focus groups with 33 caregivers of Indigenous children was conducted. RESULTS: Caregivers reported that the present patterns of physical activity among children are different from previous generations, who were physically active through walking, outside play and physically demanding chores. Changes in lifestyles, influenced by the consequences of colonization, have resulted in reduced physical activity. Three themes emerged as present day impediments to physical activity: recreational technology, caregivers' safety concerns, and barriers to community activation. CONCLUSION: There is a dynamic interrelationship among the proximal, intermediate and distal determinants of children's physical activity with colonial policies continuing to have impacts in the participating First Nation communities. Community generated research and strategies are important ways to ameliorate physical inactivity and obesity among First Nation children.