Barriers and supports for healthy eating and physical activity for First Nation youths in northern Canada.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate barriers and supports for healthy eating and physical activity in youths in a remote sub-arctic community, Fort Albany First Nation, Ontario, Canada.


METHODS
A qualitative multi-method participatory approach.


METHODS
The study included a purposive convenience sample of two adult (n = 22) and three youths (n = 30; students in grades 6 to 8) focus groups, unstructured one-on-one interviews with adult key informants (n = 7), and a scan of the community environment. Data were coded and analysed by hand and using NVivo software. Hurricane thinking and concept mapping were used to illustrate findings and relationships between concepts.


RESULTS
Dominant emerging themes included empowerment, trust, resources, barriers and opportunities, while major sub-themes included food security, cost, accessibility/availability, capacity building, community support, programs/training and the school snack/breakfast program.


CONCLUSIONS
Numerous barriers to healthy nutrition and physical activity exist in this community and are possibly similar in other remote communities. Empowerment is a core issue that should be considered in the design of public health interventions for First Nations youths in remote sub-arctic communities.
Skinner
Kelly
K
Department of Health Studies and Gerontology, University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.
Hanning
Rhona M
RM
Tsuji
Leonard J S
LJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001110:Arctic Regions; D002170:Canada; D002648:Child; D004032:Diet / Q000191:economics* / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D004930:Inuit; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity; D012424:Rural Population