A qualitative study conducted in the United States exploring the perspectives of Brazilian immigrant fathers about their preschool-age children’s physical activity and screen time

Abstract

This study sought to explore Brazilian immigrant fathers’ perspectives on physical activity (PA) and screen time (ST) of their preschool-age children. Qualitative study consisted of in-depth, semi-structured interviews with a convenience sample of fathers. Interviews were conducted in Portuguese by native Brazilian research staff using a semi-structured interview guide, and were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim in Portuguese. Transcripts were analyzed thematically using a hybrid method that incorporated deductive and inductive analytical approaches. Twenty-one fathers participated in the study. Analyses revealed that fathers in this study recognized the importance of PA and of limiting ST for their preschool-age for children’s overall health. Fathers also recognized their role in helping their children’s development and maintenance of healthy PA habits. Nonetheless, most fathers reported daily barriers faced in their day-to-day lives since immigrating to the United States that limit PA and promote ST in children. Fathers perceived several factors across levels of the socio-ecological model that influence their children’s PA and ST behaviors including low socioeconomic status, beliefs and practices related to PA and ST, housing, lack of access to safe spaces for PA, lack of affordable organized PA and sports programs for young children, lack of time, work demands, and cold weather. This is the first study conducted with Brazilian fathers living in the United States exploring fathers’ perspectives on PA and ST. Findings may assist in the of development of family-based interventions to promote healthy PA and ST behaviors among this ethnic minority population.