AUTHOR=Oetzel John G. , Zhang Yingsha , Nock Sophie , Meha Pare , Huriwaka Huia , Vercoe Maramena , Tahu Tania , Urlich Joanne , Warbrick Rachel , Brown George , Keown Shirley , Rewi Poia , Erueti Bevan , Warbrick Isaac , Jackson Anne-Marie , Perry Tracy , Reddy Rangimahora , Simpson Mary Louisa , Cameron Michael P. , Hokowhitu Brendan 

TITLE=Enhancing health outcomes for Māori elders through an intergenerational cultural exchange and physical activity programme: a cross-sectional baseline study

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Public Health

VOLUME=11

YEAR=2023

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2023.1307685

DOI=10.3389/fpubh.2023.1307685

ISSN=2296-2565

ABSTRACT=<sec><title>Background</title><p>The study offers baseline data for a strengths-based approach emphasizing intergenerational cultural knowledge exchange and physical activity developed through a partnership with kaumātua (Māori elders) and kaumātua service providers. The study aims to identify the baseline characteristics, along with correlates of five key outcomes.</p></sec><sec><title>Methods</title><p>The study design is a cross-sectional survey. A total of 75 kaumātua from six providers completed two physical functioning tests and a survey that included dependent variables based in a holistic model of health: health-related quality of life (HRQOL), self-rated health, spirituality, life satisfaction, and loneliness.</p></sec><sec><title>Results</title><p>The findings indicate that there was good reliability and moderate scores on most variables. Specific correlates included the following: (a) HRQOL: emotional support (<italic>β</italic> = 0.31), and frequent interaction with a co-participant (<italic>β</italic> = 0.25); (b) self-rated health: frequency of moderate exercise (<italic>β</italic> = 0.32) and sense of purpose (<italic>β</italic> = 0.27); (c) spirituality: sense of purpose (<italic>β</italic> = 0.46), not needing additional help with daily tasks (<italic>β</italic> = 0.28), and level of confidence with cultural practices (<italic>β</italic> = 0.20); (d) life satisfaction: sense of purpose (<italic>β</italic> = 0.57), frequency of interaction with a co-participant (<italic>β</italic> = −0.30), emotional support (<italic>β</italic> = 0.25), and quality of relationship with a co-participant (<italic>β</italic> = 0.16); and (e) lower loneliness: emotional support (<italic>β</italic> = 0.27), enjoyment interacting with a co-participant (<italic>β</italic> = 0.25), sense of purpose (<italic>β</italic> = 0.24), not needing additional help with daily tasks (<italic>β</italic> = 0.28), and frequency of moderate exercise (<italic>β</italic> = 0.18).</p></sec><sec><title>Conclusion</title><p>This study provides the baseline scores and correlates of important social and health outcomes for the He Huarahi Tautoko (Avenue of Support) programme, a strengths-based approach for enhancing cultural connection and physical activity.</p></sec>