Exploring Contexts and Experiences of Sport, Physical Activity, and Sedentary Behaviour Among Asian Indian Migrants in Australia

Abstract

The Indian migrant population is at a high risk of non-communicable diseases perpetuated by low levels of physical activity both in their country of origin and in host countries. The literature lacks a comprehensive exploration of how migration impacts physical activity among Indian migrants and this gap highlights the need for context-based measures that consider pre- and post-migration factors in addressing the continued low physical activity levels observed in migrant populations.

This thesis explores, measures, and describes the key contextual factors influencing physical activity and sedentary behaviour among Indian migrants living in Australia. The uniqueness of the study lies in its focused examination of the Asian Indian migrant population in Australia, including a pre-to-post-migration comparison of various contextual factors to gain deeper insights into how migration affects lifestyle health behaviours, particularly participation in physical activity and sport.

Adopting a pragmatic approach, the research aims to generate actionable insights to inform policy and research practice-oriented implications in promoting physical activity among Indian migrants in Australia. The study consists of an exploratory sequential design and a parallel policy study within a multistage mixed-methods framework, encompassing qualitative interviews, survey adaptation and administration, and documentary analysis.

The qualitative study reveals how migration and cultural background shape the perception and practice of physical activity. Participants define physical activity holistically, emphasising the mind–body connection alongside social, cultural, and environmental factors. Sedentary behaviour is broadly defined as “not having movement” or “being lazy,” linking these behaviours to purpose and duration. Comparing their experiences as migrants in Australia with their pre-migration experiences in India, key qualitative insights suggest that sociocultural contexts are vital in influencing migrant participation in physical activity. A perceived lack of social connection emerged as a major barrier in both neighbourhoods and wider communities. The physical environment in Australia (e.g., availability of facilities and built environment) support physical activity, while work characteristics (e.g., the nature of job) encourage sedentary behaviour. These findings informed the adaptation of a pre-to-post-migration survey design measuring overall physical activity levels and social influences such as neighbourhood social capital and health communication. Migration is associated with changes in physical activity levels. Age, change in fusion identity, and change in social support explained 22.5% of the variance in change in physical activity levels pre-to post-migration. The associations found with specific factors, namely change in social support, change in neighbourhood attachment, and change in social cohesion, suggest that when each of these factors changed, it was predictive of how much an individual’s physical activity level could increase or decrease. Each factor explained a portion of the variation in physical activity level changes: 12.6% for social support, 12% for neighbourhood attachment, and 11.6% for social cohesion. Policy insights indicate few direct initiatives are proposed to promote migrant participation and inclusion in sport, suggesting deliberate efforts are needed to explicitly target migrants and encourage cross-sector collaborations between immigration, sport, and health sectors. The importance of the Victorian state government considering migrant-friendly sports and physical activity policies is emphasised in serving the interest of the rapid and rising Indian community.

This study has both theoretical and practical implications. Theoretically, it deepens understanding of the relationship between changes in sociocultural factors and changes in physical activity levels. Practically, it provides recommendations for policies and research practices to promote the integration and inclusion of migrants through sport and physical activity. These include addressing pre-to-post-migration changes in sport and physical activity patterns, adapting physical environments to promote access to opportunities, promoting social cohesion and bridging gaps using mainstream sport for inclusion, adopting holistic health approaches, promoting integrated workplace strategies, and implementing strategies for new arrivals.