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Physical activity behaviors and cognitions of parents of preschoolers (1021.6)
Author(s) -
Spaccarotella Kim,
MartinBiggers Jennifer,
Hongu Nobuku,
Worobey John,
ByrdBredbenner Carol
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.28.1_supplement.1021.6
Subject(s) - recreation , screen time , psychology , cognition , coping (psychology) , focus group , medicine , physical activity , developmental psychology , clinical psychology , psychiatry , physical therapy , marketing , political science , law , business
This study examined PA behaviors, cognitions, barriers, and strategies for coping with barriers by 137 parents of preschoolers via survey (n=137) and focus groups (n=23). Parents spent 4.2±2.2 SD days/week engaging in vigorous play with children, with 2/3 spending <3 hours/week in vigorous play. Time spent in active play rose significantly (p<0.01) as parent education increased but did not differ based on primary language (n=84 English, n=50 Spanish), location (n=65 AZ, n=72 NJ), or parent age. Preschoolers spent 2.4±1.7SD hours/day watching TV. Focus group parents reported using TV to occupy children while performing chores, during inclement weather, and before bed. Most believed TV time should be limited but were unsure of alternatives. All felt active play with their children was important for modeling healthy behaviors. Many considered educational TV exempt from TV time limits. Commonly‐cited barriers to increasing time spent in active play with their children included lack of indoor space, lack of safe outdoor play areas, limited time, and health concerns with being outdoors, such as asthma and insect bites. Coping strategies included active video games, school recreation programs, dancing to music, and visiting indoor playgrounds. Results suggest that parents with less education may especially benefit from strategies that help overcome barriers to modeling positive PA behaviors to their young children. Grant Funding Source : Supported by USDA, National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Grant Number 2011‐68001‐30170