‘We Need Equitable Exercise Opportunities’: The Complexity of Leisure-Time Physical Activity and Its Relationship to Mental Health among Arab Canadians: The CAN-HEAL Study

A growing body of evidence suggests that leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) impacts one’s mental health (MH) positively. The suggested MH benefits of LTPA may present a promising avenue to promote the MH of immigrants/refugees, who often face various stressors that may impede their MH. The CAN-HEAL study aimed to examine LTPA needs as they pertain to MH among Arab Canadians. The study adopted a collaborative community-based participatory research and integrated knowledge translation approach. Three methods were triangulated: qualitative interviews, Photovoice and a quantitative survey. A combination of sampling strategies (convenience, purposive and snowball) was utilized to recruit 60 socio-demographically diverse Arab Canadian participants. The study was informed by an integrated bio-psycho-socio-cultural framework. Although participants were knowledgeable of recommendations and MH benefits of LTPA, a high prevalence of physical inactivity (87%) was found. Intersections between age, gender, socio-economic and employment status, length of residency, and immigration status were associated with substantial LTPA inequities and negative MH within Arab communities. Older adults and low-income participants reported significantly lower LTPA levels than younger adults and those with higher income. Female participants reported lower LTPA levels than their male counterparts. Study findings demonstrate that the LTPA-MH relationship among Arab Canadians is multi-faceted, with various LTPA-related bio-psycho-socio-cultural pathways/mechanisms influencing Arab Canadians’ MH. Intersectoral collaboration is required to implement a co-created community- and political-level action plan to address LTPA inequities and achieve health equity for Arab Canadians and other similar vulnerable groups.