How community sport facilitates the biopsychosocial health of Indigenous communities: a qualitative systematic review and meta-synthesis

Abstract

The experience of engaging in sport and recreational activities is largely different for Indigenous peoples when compared to non-Indigenous populations. There is a need to consolidate the current qualitative evidence base to facilitate sporting and recreation opportunities that could promote holistic benefits for Indigenous peoples. It is evident that sport and health research on Indigenous communities is inconsistent in its quality and cultural safety. This study aims to explore the current landscape of Indigenous qualitative health research within the context of sport. The purpose of this study was to produce a meta-study of qualitative research examining sport and recreation experiences of Indigenous peoples in Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and Canada. After identification and screening, 27 articles were retained for analysis and synthesis. Characteristics of included studies were exmined through the meta-method and meta-theory analysis. The meta-data analysis revealed five themes (barriers and facilitators to engagement, physical health benefits, racism and discrimination, social and emotional wellbeing, and community spirit) and several subthemes representative of the sport and recreation experiences of Indigenous people and communities. The final meta-synthesis situates these themes within an Indigenous model of wellbeing and synthesises the method, theory and data of the included studies. This review consolidates the evidence base and provides direction for future research and best practice.