Hispanic Parents’ Views of Family Physical Activity: Results from a Multisite Focus Group Investigation

Norma Olvera, Amber J. Hammons, Margarita Teran-Garcia, Maria Plaza-Delestre, Barbara Fiese

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Understanding parental views regarding family physical activity is essential to the development of family-focused physical activity interventions. Using a qualitative methodology with thematic analysis and a socio-demographic questionnaire, this study aimed to examine Mexican American and Puerto Rican parental views on child and family physical activity. Sixty-one parents (56 mothers, five fathers) from four sites (California, Illinois, Texas, and Puerto Rico) each participated in a single one-hour focus group session, which included an average of five parents. The findings of this study indicated that parents perceived themselves and their families to be physically active, while some parents believed their children were getting enough physical activity at school and afterschool programs. Walking, bicycling, and playing soccer were the most common physical activities that parents reported engaging in as a family. In addition, some parents shared their preference for exercising without their children. Time constraints along with unsafe neighborhood streets and parks were identified as the major barriers to being physically active as a family. Mothers reported that fathers’ involvement in physical activity and combining a healthy diet with exercise were useful strategies for physical activity promotion. This study provides valuable information regarding Hispanic parental views concerning family physical activity relevant to the design of culturally family-based physical activity interventions for this population.
Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number740
JournalChildren
Volume8
Issue number9
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 2021

Keywords

  • physical activity
  • children
  • parents
  • family
  • Hispanic
  • Physical activity
  • Parents
  • Family
  • Children

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Hispanic Parents’ Views of Family Physical Activity: Results from a Multisite Focus Group Investigation'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this