Exploring barriers and facilitators to physical activity participation and food security among the Rohingya community living in Australia: a socio-ecological perspective

BMC Public Health. 2025 May 19;25(1):1839. doi: 10.1186/s12889-025-22749-6.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Many Rohingya people from Myanmar have sought refuge and resettled in Australia due to persecution and genocide. Like many people from refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds who resettle in Australia, the Rohingya community face significant mental, physical and psychosocial challenges. Physical activity and nutrition are interrelated, modifiable risk factors associated with a range of health and psychosocial outcomes. Therefore, this study aimed to explore barriers and facilitators to physical activity and food security among the Rohingya community who have resettled in Sydney, Australia to inform intervention development.

METHODS: In-depth interviews and focus groups with Rohingya community leaders and members were conducted. Community leaders were identified as individuals from the same community who have lived experience of displacement and advocate for the community’s needs. Reflexive thematic analysis and framework analysis were used to identify and then allocate themes to theoretically-driven domains according to the socio-ecological model.

RESULTS: In total, sixteen participants were interviewed, including n=7 via one-one-one interviews and n=9 via a focus group. Of the 16 participants, five were community leaders. Ten themes for physical activity and twelve themes for food security were identified and mapped onto the socio-ecological model. The impact of insecure visa status was identified as a significant macro-level barrier affecting both physical activity and food security. Lack of culturally responsive services and increased barriers to physical activity for women due to cultural expectations and gender roles were also identified. However, increased opportunities to engage in healthy lifestyles in Australia compared to Myanmar, social support and physical and mental health benefits as motivating factors were discussed as key facilitators.

CONCLUSION: Health promotion efforts targeting physical activity and food security require a multifactorial approach which prioritises cultural sensitivity, acknowledges gender roles and expectations, and considers past experiences including the impacts of migration.

PMID:40389873 | DOI:10.1186/s12889-025-22749-6