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Environmental and Motivational Determinants of Physical Activity among Canadian Inuit in the Arctic

Author

Listed:
  • Victor O. Akande

    (Department of Health Promotion, Maastricht University, NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Center+, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands)

  • Robert A.C. Ruiter

    (Department of Work & Social Psychology, Faculty of Psychology & Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 40, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands)

  • Stef P.J. Kremers

    (Department of Health Promotion, Maastricht University, NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Center+, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands)

Abstract

Background: Canadian Inuit have transited from a physically active hunter-gatherer subsistence lifestyle into sedentary ways of life. The purpose of the current study was to measure physical activity levels among Nunavut Inuit adults, and explore the socio-cognitive and environmental factors influencing the number of steps taken per day. Method: Inuit and non-Inuit adults ( N = 272) in Nunavut participated in a seven-day pedometer study during summer and winter seasons. Participants were asked to complete the Neighbourhood Environmental Walkability Scale (NEWS) and Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire (BREQ-3). Data analyses included descriptive statistics, hierarchical linear regression, and tests of mediation effects. Results: Participants had limited to low activity at a rate of 5027 ± 1799 and 4186 ± 1446 steps per day, during summer and winter, respectively. There were no seasonal and age effects on the number of steps. Gender effects and community differences were observed. Perceived infrastructure and safety as well as land use mix diversity were found to be positive environmental correlates of steps taken, which were partially mediated by identified motivational regulation. Conclusion: Physical activity levels among Nunavut adults are generally low, but can be promoted by improving the external physical environment and internal motivational regulation.

Suggested Citation

  • Victor O. Akande & Robert A.C. Ruiter & Stef P.J. Kremers, 2019. "Environmental and Motivational Determinants of Physical Activity among Canadian Inuit in the Arctic," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(13), pages 1-14, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:16:y:2019:i:13:p:2437-:d:246807
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Saelens, B.E. & Sallis, J.F. & Black, J.B. & Chen, D., 2003. "Neighborhood-Based Differences in Physical Activity: An Environment Scale Evaluation," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 93(9), pages 1552-1558.
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    1. Valkiria Amaya & Thibauld Moulaert & Luc Gwiazdzinski & Nicolas Vuillerme, 2022. "Assessing and Qualifying Neighborhood Walkability for Older Adults: Construction and Initial Testing of a Multivariate Spatial Accessibility Model," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(3), pages 1-18, February.
    2. Victor O. Akande & Timothy O. Fawehinmi & Robert A.C. Ruiter & Stef P.J. Kremers, 2021. "Healthy Dietary Choices and Physical Activity Participation in the Canadian Arctic: Understanding Nunavut Inuit Perspectives on the Barriers and Enablers," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(3), pages 1-13, January.
    3. Valkiria Amaya & Matthias Chardon & Helen Klein & Thibauld Moulaert & Nicolas Vuillerme, 2022. "What Do We Know about the Use of the Walk-along Method to Identify the Perceived Neighborhood Environment Correlates of Walking Activity in Healthy Older Adults: Methodological Considerations Related ," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(18), pages 1-37, September.
    4. Iker Sáez & Josu Solabarrieta & Isabel Rubio, 2021. "Reasons for Sports-Based Physical Activity Dropouts in University Students," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(11), pages 1-14, May.
    5. Antonio Garriga & Nuria Sempere-Rubio & María José Molina-Prados & Raquel Faubel, 2021. "Impact of Seasonality on Physical Activity: A Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(1), pages 1-22, December.

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