Grant: Project Grant

First Nations peoples in Canada face more challenges with their lung health compared to non-First Nations. Specifically, chronic lung diseases, like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), are less often identified and treatment is limited in rural communities. This project is part of an ongoing partnership between the University of British Columbia, Carrier Sekani Family Services and eleven partner First Nations. The goal of this study is to expand access to one form of treatment for COPD, called pulmonary rehabilitation, in remote and rural First Nations communities. Pulmonary rehabilitation includes exercise and education and improves the health of people with COPD. To be successful in First Nations communities, it must be culturally relevant and feasible in remote and rural locations. Working with our First Nations partners, this study will address the following 3 aims. Aim 1: Understand current physical activity practices, by doing in depth interviews, using photography tools, and measuring physical activity using monitors, to understand values and practices of physical activity. Aim 2: Develop relevant patient and family education materials that is informed by both Indigenous and Western knowledge and perspectives, which can be accessed in culturally-appropriate ways. Aim 3: Test the feasibility of a novel pulmonary rehabilitation program delivered by established tele-health systems in remote and rural First Nations communities. This study is unique in being able to address the culturally-relevant treatment and education of COPD in remote and rural First Nations communities. We hope that in the long term, this study will increase lung-related health services to remote northern BC First Nations communities and support similar efforts in other communities.