Katarina Sjögren Forss1, Elisabeth Mangrio1,2, Matti Leijon3, Mathias Grahn4, Slobodan Zdravkovic1,2. 1. Department of Care Science, Faculty of Health and Society, Malmö University, Malmö, Sweden. 2. Malmö Institute for Studies of Migration, Diversity and Welfare (MIM), Malmö University, Malmö, Sweden. 3. Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden. 4. Unit for Statistics and Data, Municipality of Malmö, Malmö, Sweden.
Abstract
Background: Little is known about physical activity among newly arrived refugees and what impact physical activity might have on their health, as measured by mental wellbeing, vitality, stress and sleep quality. Thus, this study sought to investigate the relationship between physical activity and wellbeing among refugees who were newly arrived in Sweden. Methods: The present study was based on the results from a survey, conducted in 2015-2016 among newly arrived adult refugees who spoke Arabic, Pashto, Somali or Dari, participated in a mandatory public integration support programme in the Scania region of Sweden and agreed to participate in the survey. Ultimately 681 participants completed the survey (a response rate of 39.5%). Results: We found a significant association between physical activity and mental wellbeing, vitality, stress and sleep quality among newly arrived refugees. Conclusions: Newly arrived refugees need to be informed about the importance of prioritizing physical activity for their health and wellbeing, regardless of their external circumstances, and supported in their attempts to do so.
Background: Little is known about physical activity among newly arrived refugees and what impact physical activity might have on their health, as measured by mental wellbeing, vitality, stress and sleep quality. Thus, this study sought to investigate the relationship between physical activity and wellbeing among refugees who were newly arrived in Sweden. Methods: The present study was based on the results from a survey, conducted in 2015-2016 among newly arrived adult refugees who spoke Arabic, Pashto, Somali or Dari, participated in a mandatory public integration support programme in the Scania region of Sweden and agreed to participate in the survey. Ultimately 681 participants completed the survey (a response rate of 39.5%). Results: We found a significant association between physical activity and mental wellbeing, vitality, stress and sleep quality among newly arrived refugees. Conclusions: Newly arrived refugees need to be informed about the importance of prioritizing physical activity for their health and wellbeing, regardless of their external circumstances, and supported in their attempts to do so.
Authors: Sven J G Olsson; Örjan Ekblom; Eva Andersson; Mats Börjesson; Lena V Kallings Journal: Scand J Public Health Date: 2015-09-21 Impact factor: 3.021