Exploring Contexts and Experiences of Sport, Physical Activity, and Sedentary Behaviour Among Asian Indian Migrants in Australia
type: CreativeWork
description: 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 inf…
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 inf…
author: Fernandes, Siona
date published: 2025
date modified: 2026-07-27T18:45:50Z
provider: AUT University
publisher: Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations
type: WebPage
source organization: AUT University