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Exploring barriers and facilitators to physical activity participation and food security among the Rohingya community living in Australia: a socio-ecological perspective

  • 0Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia. g.mckeon@unsw.edu.au.
Bmc Public Health +

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May 19, 2025

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May 19, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Barriers like insecure visa status and lack of culturally responsive services impact Rohingya refugees' physical activity and food security in Australia. Addressing these requires culturally sensitive, multifactorial health promotion.

Area Of Science

  • Public Health
  • Sociology
  • Migration Studies

Background

  • Rohingya refugees resettling in Australia face significant physical, mental, and psychosocial challenges.
  • Physical activity and nutrition are key modifiable risk factors impacting health outcomes for this population.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To explore barriers and facilitators to physical activity and food security among Rohingya refugees in Sydney, Australia.
  • To inform the development of targeted health interventions for the Rohingya community.

Main Methods

  • In-depth interviews and focus groups were conducted with Rohingya community leaders and members.
  • Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis and framework analysis, mapped to the socio-ecological model.

Main Results

  • Insecure visa status emerged as a significant macro-level barrier to both physical activity and food security.
  • Lack of culturally responsive services and gender-based barriers for women were identified.
  • Opportunities in Australia, social support, and health benefits were key facilitators for healthy lifestyles.

Conclusions

  • Health promotion for physical activity and food security must be multifactorial, prioritizing cultural sensitivity.
  • Interventions should acknowledge gender roles and the impact of migration experiences.
  • A holistic approach is necessary to support the well-being of resettled Rohingya individuals.

Keywords:

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