The association between physically active leisure, physical and mental health and life satisfaction among Canadian immigrants

Joshua, Kenneth Kevin (2019) The association between physically active leisure, physical and mental health and life satisfaction among Canadian immigrants. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

Immigrants constitute more than one fifth of the Canadian population. Little is known about predictors of immigrant life satisfaction in this country. This cross-sectional study explored the levels and predictors of life satisfaction among immigrants in Canada with respect to their length of stay. Physically active leisure, mental health, physical health, and social factors were evaluated as potential predictors. The study utilized the 2014 Canadian Community Health Survey, with immigrants (N = 8875) between 12 – 80 years old. Data was analyzed using bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models between life satisfaction and predictors. High levels of life satisfaction, physical and mental health, and poor levels of physically active leisure were prevalent among immigrants. Sense of belonging and income predicted life satisfaction. While no significant differences were found related to length of their stay sense of belonging and income were stronger predictors among short-term compared to long-term immigrants. No predictors moderated mental health and life satisfaction or physically active leisure and life satisfaction. The present study addressed the need of future research in the field life satisfaction among Canadian immigrants.

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