Meaningfully Engaging Karen Refugee Families in Physical Activity: The Outcomes of A Culturally Specific, Co-Designed Program

Background: There are numerous health and social benefits of physical activity (PA) participation, yet refugees who have settled into destination countries like Australia are less likely to play sport or exercise, or reach recommended daily PA levels if they do. There may be various correlates of PA which impact on participation, however cultural attributes and the process of cultural adaptation after resettlement, may be a key contributor, impacting on the health of resettlers. This research trialled a community-driven, culturally specific family PA program with Karen refugees settled in Australia. The aims of the program were to encourage participation through a culturally appropriate physical activity setting and provide Karen families with an opportunity to learn to be active together. Methods: The grant-funded program consisted of a two-hour lifestyle educational module and a practical activity session held each week for eight weeks, including a six-month follow-up session post completion. Educational sessions covered relevant health topics, such as healthy eating, and practical activity sessions were tailored to meet Karen people’s cultural expectations and needs. All components of the intervention were co-designed with the participants. Results: A total of 36 Karen adults and children varying in ages participated in the program, with an average rate of participation of 81.8% over eight weeks. The program was evaluated with surveys, interviews, and informal discussions with instructors and participants, as well as ethnographic methods of observation. Participants valued the program that met their needs. After completion of the program they requested to continue with a similar community-based PA program in the future. Conclusions: This culturally appropriate and co-designed PA program effectively engaged Karen people and increased healthy lifestyle behaviours in the group, which they found valuable and meaningful. Future interventions and programs targeting resettled refugees should be co-designed with participants using culturally appropriate approaches.