Enhancing health outcomes for Māori elders through an intergenerational cultural exchange and physical activity programme: a cross-sectional baseline study

• Main Authors: John G. Oetzel (Author), Yingsha Zhang (Author), Sophie Nock (Author), Pare Meha (Author), Huia Huriwaka (Author), Maramena Vercoe (Author), Tania Tahu (Author), Joanne Urlich (Author), Rachel Warbrick (Author), George Brown (Author), Shirley Keown (Author), Poia Rewi (Author), Bevan Erueti (Author), Isaac Warbrick (Author), Anne-Marie Jackson (Author), Tracy Perry (Author), Rangimahora Reddy (Author), Mary Louisa Simpson (Author), Michael P. Cameron (Author), Brendan Hokowhitu (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: Frontiers Media S.A., 2023-12-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.

Summary

BackgroundThe study offers baseline data for a strengths-based approach emphasizing intergenerational cultural knowledge exchange and physical activity developed through a partnership with kaumātua (Māori elders) and kaumātua service providers. The study aims to identify the baseline characteristics, along with correlates of five key outcomes.MethodsThe study design is a cross-sectional survey. A total of 75 kaumātua from six providers completed two physical functioning tests and a survey that included dependent variables based in a holistic model of health: health-related quality of life (HRQOL), self-rated health, spirituality, life satisfaction, and loneliness.ResultsThe findings indicate that there was good reliability and moderate scores on most variables. Specific correlates included the following: (a) HRQOL: emotional support (β = 0.31), and frequent interaction with a co-participant (β = 0.25); (b) self-rated health: frequency of moderate exercise (β = 0.32) and sense of purpose (β = 0.27); (c) spirituality: sense of purpose (β = 0.46), not needing additional help with daily tasks (β = 0.28), and level of confidence with cultural practices (β = 0.20); (d) life satisfaction: sense of purpose (β = 0.57), frequency of interaction with a co-participant (β = −0.30), emotional support (β = 0.25), and quality of relationship with a co-participant (β = 0.16); and (e) lower loneliness: emotional support (β = 0.27), enjoyment interacting with a co-participant (β = 0.25), sense of purpose (β = 0.24), not needing additional help with daily tasks (β = 0.28), and frequency of moderate exercise (β = 0.18).ConclusionThis study provides the baseline scores and correlates of important social and health outcomes for the He Huarahi Tautoko (Avenue of Support) programme, a strengths-based approach for enhancing cultural connection and physical activity.

Item Description

2296-2565
10.3389/fpubh.2023.1307685