Co-designing a Physical Activity Service for Refugees and Asylum Seekers Using an Experience-Based Co-design Framework

Grace McKeon, Jackie Curtis, Reza Rostami, Monika Sroba, Anna Farello, Rachel Morell, Zachary Steel, Mark Harris, Derrick Silove, Belinda Parmenter, Evan Matthews, Juliana Jamaluddin, Simon Rosenbaum

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

People from refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds resettling in Australia often experience intersecting risks for poor mental and physical health. Physical activity can promote better health outcomes, however there are limited programs tailored for this population. Therefore, understanding how to support refugees and asylum seekers to engage in physical activity is crucial. This paper aims to describe how the experience-based co-design (EBCD) process was used to identify priorities for a new physical activity service for refugees and asylum seekers. Using an EBCD framework we conducted qualitative interviews and co-design workshops with service users (refugees and asylum seekers living in the community) and service providers at a community Centre in Sydney, Australia. Sixteen participants, including eight service users and eight service providers engaged in the EBCD process over 12-months. The interviews revealed common themes or 'touchpoints' including barriers and enablers to physical activity participation such as access, safety and competing stressors. Subsequent co-design focus groups resulted in the establishment of five fundamental priorities and actionable strategies; ensuring cultural and psychological safety, promoting accessibility, facilitating support to access basic needs, enhancing physical activity literacy and fostering social connection. Using EBCD methodology, this study used the insights and lived experiences of both service users and providers to co-design a physical activity service for refugees and asylum seekers which is safe, supportive, social and accessible. The results of the implementation and evaluation of the program are ongoing.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)674-688
Number of pages15
JournalJournal of immigrant and minority health
Volume26
Issue number4
Early online date12 Apr 2024
Publication statusPublished - Aug 2024

Keywords

  • Adult
  • Australia
  • Exercise
  • Female
  • Focus Groups
  • Health Promotion/organization & administration
  • Health Services Accessibility/organization & administration
  • Humans
  • Interviews as Topic
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Qualitative Research
  • Refugees/psychology

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