A systematic review of physical activity interventions to improve physical fitness and health outcomes among Indigenous adults living in Canada

The Indigenous population of Canada faces an increased burden of chronic disease, leading to decreased life expectancy. Physical activity is an important health behaviour that improves chronic disease risk factors and physical fitness. The objective of this systematic review was to evaluate physical activity interventions in the Indigenous population in Canada to determine effects on physical activity rates, physical fitness, and health outcomes. MEDLINE, PsycINFO, EMBASE, and CINAHL were searched for peer-reviewed journal articles. Inclusion criteria were studies that examined a physical activity intervention delivered in Indigenous communities in Canada for adults over 18years of age. Data was extracted and two authors independently rated quality of the evidence. Five studies were included in the narrative synthesis. Interventions were community-based, and three were multi-component interventions focused on preventing or managing type II diabetes. The interventions varied in their success in altering physical activity rates, with increases (n=2), a decrease (n=1), or non-significant changes reported (n=2). No study reported any measure of physical fitness. BMI was reported in four studies, with only one reporting a significant decrease. Decreases in systolic blood pressure and total cholesterol were reported in two studies. There is limited evidence and a lack of robust interventions that examine the impacts of physical activity on health and fitness status in the Canadian Indigenous population. Validated, culturally relevant tools for measuring physical activity may aid in program evaluation and focused educational materials could better support population health initiatives. Trial registration: The review protocol was registered prospectively with PROSPERO (registration number: CRD42017055363). Keywords: Indigenous population, Canada, Physical activity, Intervention, Exercis

Nges Siy (I love you): A community-based youth suicide intervention in northern British Columbia

This youth suicide prevention research project is an example of a partnership between Carrier Sekani Family Services (CSFS) and the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC), funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), Institute of Aboriginal Peoples’ Health, that directly responds to goals of ethical research conducted in First Nations’ communities. Through the use of mixed methods, the project investigated the effectiveness of community-based interventions in preventing suicide and tracked youth self-esteem, depression, and other indicators over the course of the project. The knowledge gained from this research project will help guide CSFS and its member communities in offering programs and services that will assist in reducing incidence of suicide.

Chronic scrotal content pain: the experiences of patients undergoing microsurgical spermatic cord denervation

Background: Chronic scrotal content pain, sometimes referred to as chronic orchialgia, is a common urological condition that gives rise to persistent and often severe painful stimuli to the scrotum and surrounding structures. Despite its relative commonality, accounting for over 2% of urological visits, chronic scrotal content pain is complex to manage and patients may be required to access multiple providers and undergo invasive procedures, including microsurgical spermatic cord denervation (MSCD) surgery. Objective: The objective of this study was to understand the experiences and perspectives of persons with chronic scrotal content pain and accessing MSCD surgery. Design: An exploratory qualitative design, guided by interpretive description and integrated knowledge translation, was adopted. Methods: We conducted in-depth qualitative interviews with six patients with chronic scrotal content pain who underwent MSCD surgery in a surgical center in Western Canada. Data were analyzed thematically. Results: Analysis of the study data resulted in three core themes: living with chronic scrotal content pain, quality of life, and MSCD procedure and outcomes. We highlight the debilitating nature of pain and the broad impacts upon health, quality of life, and social functioning. Participants described how MSCD surgery offered an effective solution for persistent and debilitating pain. For the participants, MSCD surgery offered hope and the chance to regain their normality. Conclusion: For those with chronic scrotal content pain, access to a pain specialist, along with the adoption of a biopsychosocial approach to pain and early access to MSCD surgery, may improve patient experiences and outcomes. Considering the high prevalence of urological pain, greater interdisciplinary care is needed in order to support more effective and timely management