Systematic Review of Interventions Focusing on Indigenous Pre-Adolescent and Adolescent Healthy Lifestyle Changes

Abstract

Indigenous people experience higher prevalence of chronic disease, which is associated with sedentary behavior, physical inactivity, and poor nutrition. This systematic review explores interventions targeting health and lifestyle choices through nutrition, diet, and exercise of indigenous adolescents. Interventions were analyzed for incorporation of community involvement and cultural competency. Searches were conducted using the PubMed MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) databases, as well as journals dedicated to indigenous studies. Of 255 articles retrieved, seven articles describing six interventions met inclusion criteria. All of the interventions included community involvement with most demonstrating cultural competency toward the indigenous culture. In general, interventions demonstrated positive retention and completion rates, despite mixed outcomes related to diet, nutrition, and exercise. Findings reflect the paucity of research published in this area. Community involvement and cultural competency may impact receptivity of interventions according to process variables; however, additional research is needed to identify specific variables that may impact lifestyles of indigenous youth.