Factors Influencing Health Promoting Behaviours Among Arab-Australians: Perspectives of Health and Community Workers

Abstract

Background: Engaging Arab immigrant populations in health promotion interventions can be challenging due to their unique needs and preferences. Fewer studies have explored the experience of health and community workers on the factors influencing Arab-Australians' engagement in health initiatives and health promoting behaviours. The aim of this study was to explore the perspectives of health and community workers on recruitment, engagement, and experiences with co-design for health promotion initiatives targeting Arab-Australian adults.

Methods: This qualitative study sampled 10 health and community workers aged 42.6 ± 13.0 years from New South Wales, Australia, to participate in a semi-structured interview during 2023-2024. The interview topic guide focused on exploring health and community workers' experiences with recruitment, engagement, and co-design. Data were analysed using deductive and inductive thematic analysis techniques.

Results: Recruitment strategies included using digital channels such as instant messaging or social media, directly engaging with established groups and networks, passive recruitment such as word-of-mouth, having or establishing trust with the community, and engaging community workers or champions. Engagement considerations included culture and religion, importance of family, importance of the facilitator, accessibility factors, content and approaches to delivery, and incentives. The themes related to co-design and collaboration were importance, approaches, and barriers.

Conclusions: The findings of this study provide a unique insight into the factors influencing recruitment, engagement, and co-design approaches when targeting Arab-Australian adults for health promotion initiatives. These findings could be used by researchers or those working in the community to inform the development of health promotion initiatives for Arab-Australian adults.

Keywords: Arab‐Australians; community health promotion; community workers; health workers; qualitative methods.