Exploring the Mental Health Benefits of Physical Activity for Immigrant, Refugee, and Undocumented Women: Through an Intergenerational Lens

Sophia Ali

Impact

  • Improved mental and physical health of IRU women in Canada through trauma-informed, accessible physical activity programs tailored to their needs, supporting their resettlement and integration into high-income countries like Canada.

  • Increased awareness among stakeholders, healthcare providers and community members, particularly at Women’s Health in Women’s Hands, for considering intergenerational factors in mental health program development.

  • This project has amplified the voices of IRU women, bringing attention to their mental and physical health needs. It is hoped that this will encourage future organizations to develop initiatives that promote the well-being of diverse and culturally-sensitive programs for communities across Canada.

  • Ontario

  • Studentship

  • Carleton University

  • Women’s Health in Women’s Hands

  • Mitacs

  • 2022-2023

  • Women's Mental Health

  • Youth, Immigrants, Refugees, Women

About the Project

The aim of this project was to understand the physical activity (PA) experiences of immigrant, refugee and undocumented (IRU) women while addressing the barriers they face in accessing physical and mental health support in the Greater Toronto Area. Insights were also gathered to explore intergenerational differences between first- and second-generation IRU women. The goal was to use this information to develop effective, trauma-informed PA programs that are better tailored to support the mental and physical health needs of IRU women.

Methodology

Prior to data collection, a community advisory board was established to provide oversight and ensure cultural relevance to the project.  Community members involved with this advisory board helped design the processes for recruitment, focus groups and interviews. Participants, self-identifying as IRU women aged 18-60 and first- or second-generation individuals, were then recruited. 

A total of 36 participants (20 first-generation and 16 second-generation IRU women) were engaged in 11 focus groups. Each focus group consisted of 2-8 participants and lasted 60-90 minutes. Additionally, 10 participants (5 first-generation mothers and 5 second-generation daughters) participated in 5 intergenerational interviews, offering insights into how mental health and physical activity intersect across generations.

Findings

4 key themes were identified through focus group discussions with IRU Women:

  1. Barriers to Physical Activity: IRU women struggled to stay active due to Canada’s unpredictable and extreme seasonal changes.

  2. Social Connections and Stress Relief: Physical activity was a way for IRU women to connect with others and reduce stress.

  3. Need for Better Community Support: IRU women needed more guidance when navigating PA programs.

  4. Need for Tailored PA Programs: Programs should be more flexible and designed to meet the specific needs of IRU women to boost participation.

3 key themes were identified through interviews with first- and second-generation IRU mothers and daughters:

  1. Balancing Obligations and Well-Being: Both generations found it hard to make time for physical activity due to other responsibilities, affecting their well-being.

  2. Role of Family Support: Family support was found to be crucial for maintaining the mental and physical health of IRU women across generations.

  3. Gaps in Mental Health Understanding: First-generation IRU women viewed mental health through cultural and religious lenses, while second-generation women used clinical terms, showing how culture impacts mental health understanding and stigma.

Project Outreach

The project has not yet expanded beyond its original location in Toronto, Ontario, but there is significant potential for growth both within Canada and internationally. An online training module on trauma- and violence-informed physical activity, developed by the research team, will help spread these approaches in various settings across Canada.

Resources Created