First Nations Peoples’ Eating and Physical Activity Behaviors in Urban Areas: A Mixed-Methods Approach

Abstract

The dietary transition from traditional to commercial foods and a decrease in physical activity (PA) have impacted the health of the First Nations people of Quebec (Canada), resulting in many suffering from multiple chronic diseases. This study had two objectives: (1) to examine eating and PA behaviors among First Nations peoples in urban areas and (2) to explore the associated health representations. To achieve these objectives, a mixed-methods approach, including a questionnaire (n = 32) and a semi-structured interview (n = 14), was used to explore the participants’ lifestyle profiles and health experiences. The questionnaire focused on the eating and PA behaviors of First Nations people and their underlying motivations. At the same time, the interviews investigated their health views on diet and PA behaviors based on the conceptual framework of health and its determinants. According to the participants, health is the autonomy to live without pain by maintaining a balance between physical and psychological aspects, eating healthy and exercising. Family and work influence participants’ PA and eating behaviors. Exploring First Nations people’s beliefs and perceptions and the motivations underlying their health behaviors could help encourage the maintenance of a healthy lifestyle despite multiple chronic health conditions.

Population-based birth cohort study on diabetes in pregnancy and infant hospitalisations in Cree, other First Nations and non-Indigenous communities in Quebec

“…There is a need for targeted interventions to address prevalent diabetes risk factors, especially unhealthy eating habits (less traditional foods, higher carbs and fats) and more sedentary lifestyles (lack of physical activity). Obesity and diabetes have become increasingly more prevalent over recent decades in First Nations which may be related to the transition in dietary habits from traditional to western foods characterised by tasty processed fat, high and refined carbohydrates, along with less physically active/more sedentary lifestyles 36 37. Targeted programmes to promote the consumption of healthy foods and community-based physical activities may be helpful.…”

“…The underlying causes of the greater impact of pregestational gestational diabetes on infant hospitalisations in First Nations are unclear. Possible reasons underlying the differential risk patterns may be the difference in access to and quality of care (the management of hyperglycaemia in pregnancies with diabetes), 46 high carb diets and less healthy foods due to social factors such as financial issues preventing moms from buying healthier foods, 37 or the difference in genetic background or population-specific susceptibility to fetal toxicity of hyperglycaemia in pregnancy. 47 Unfortunately, we did not have data on glycaemic control.…”

Marketability level of potato in Armenia: potato functional properties

“…Various biotechnological methods are also used to increase potato resistance and protect potato products from various pathogens [62][63][64][65][66][67][68][69][70][71][72]. In connection with the growth of NCDs/metabolic diseases [73][74][75][76][77][78][79][80][81][82][83][84][85], "between" the development of organic agriculture [86][87][88] and biotechnologies [50-53; 89-91], the use and production of functional food [92][93][94][95][96][97][98][99][100][101][102] is gaining momentum.…”