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Background: Little evidence is available from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities on the association between motherhood and physical activity (PA). This study aimed to examine independent and joint associations of cultural background and motherhood with meeting PA guidelines, participation in organized sports, and high sitting time (>8 h/d). Methods: We used self-reported cross-sectional data from survey 8 of the 1973–1978 cohort of the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health. PA was measured using the Active Australia Survey while organized sport and sitting time were measured using single items. CALD was defined as being born in a non-English speaking country or primarily speaking a non-English language at home. Multivariable-adjusted logistic regression analyses were used to examine independent and joint associations. Results: Data from 5967 women (mean age 42.4 [SD 1.5] y, 6.9% CALD, 81.2% mothers) were analyzed. Women of CALD background had lower odds of meeting PA guidelines (odds ratio; 95% confidence interval: 0.80; 0.64–0.98) and participation in organized sports (0.68; 0.54–0.86), but no statistically significant association with sitting time (0.90; 0.72–1.14). Mothers had lower odds of meeting PA guidelines (0.75; 0.64–0.87) and high sitting time (0.42; 0.36–0.49). Compared with non-CALD women without children, mothers (irrespective of cultural background) were less likely to meet PA guidelines and have high sitting time. The association of "cultural background and motherhood" with organized sports participation was only significant for CALD mothers. Conclusions: Increased efforts and investments are needed to ensure that sports and other PA promotion interventions are culturally sensitive and engaging for CALD women and those with children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the association between physical activity accumulated from early (age 22–27 y) to mid (age 40–45 y) adulthood and resting heart rate at age 41–46 years in women. Methods: Data were from 479 participants in the 1973–1978 cohort of the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health. Participants reported physical activity every 3 years from age 22–27 years to 40–45 years. Linear regression models were used to investigate the associations of a cumulative physical activity score (average physical activity across 18 y; up to 7 surveys) and changes in physical activity from age 22–33 years to 34–45 years with resting heart rate at age 41–46 years. Results: Average resting heart rate at age 41–46 years was 75 (SD: 11) beats per minute. An inverse nonlinear dose–response association between cumulative physical activity and resting heart rate was observed. Overall, accumulation of physical activity was associated with lower resting heart rate regardless of the age when physical activity was accumulated. Women in the highest tertile of physical activity at both age 22–33 years and 34–45 years had a resting heart rate, on average, 8 beats per minute lower (95% confidence interval, −11.42 to −4.69) than those consistently in the lowest tertile of physical activity. Conclusion: Accumulating physical activity, irrespective of timing, appears to provide cardiovascular health benefits for women before the transition to menopause. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the health and wellbeing needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adolescents, highlighting the disparities they face compared to non-Indigenous adolescents. It emphasizes the importance of designing and implementing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adolescent model of primary health care that is culturally sensitive, involves the community, and addresses the unique needs of this population. The proposed model aims to provide high-quality, discrimination-free care, involve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health professionals, and strengthen primary health care services to better serve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adolescents. The article underscores the significance of addressing social determinants of health and investing in the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adolescents for the benefit of current and future generations. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Limited evidence suggests inequality in the prevalence of physical activity and screen time for children of non‐English‐speaking backgrounds (NESB). However, factors associated with these behaviours are understudied. This study identified the prevalence and correlates of meeting guidelines (physical activity, screen time and combined) among children of English‐speaking backgrounds (ESB) and NESB. Methods: Participants were from the Mothers and their Children's Health Study, a sub‐study of the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health (1973–1978 cohort). Mothers provided information on physical activity and screen time behaviours of up to three children (aged 2–12 years). Age‐specific Australian guidelines were used to classify children as meeting or not meeting physical activity and screen time guidelines. Those born in a non‐English‐speaking country or primarily speaking a non‐English language at home were classified as 'NESB'. Multivariable‐adjusted logistic regression analyses accounting for family‐level clustering were used for analysis. Results: Data were from 4143 children (mean age 7.3 ± 2.9 years, 6.7% NESB). Around 17% children of NESB met physical activity guidelines (vs. 25% ESB, p = 0.002), 63% met screen time guidelines (vs. 58% ESB, p = 0.150), and 9% met combined physical activity and screen time guidelines (vs. 15% ESB, p = 0.011). Increasing age was inversely associated with meeting physical activity guidelines among children of both backgrounds (OR [95%CI]: NESB 0.81 [0.69–0.95], ESB 0.85 [0.82–0.87]). Family‐level correlates (maternal education and physical activity level) were associated with meeting physical activity, screen time or combined guidelines among children of ESB only. A screen device in the child's bedroom was inversely associated with all outcomes among children of ESB. Children of NESB with a large yard at home had higher odds of meeting physical activity (4.14 [1.72–10.00]) and combined guidelines (4.48 [1.61–12.41]). Conclusions: Children of NESB were less likely to meet physical activity and combined guidelines. Interventions may need to be tailored based on ESB background, with children of NESB (particularly older children and those with limited outdoor space at home) being a higher priority for intervention. Future large‐scale studies examining a broader range of potential correlates, including cultural factors, are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]