Engaging families in physical activity research: a family-based focus group study.

Helen Elizabeth Brown,Annie Schiff,Esther M F Van Sluijs

doi:10.1186/s12889-015-2497-4

Helen Elizabeth Brown, Annie Schiff + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-015-2497-4

Copy DOI

Abstract

BackgroundFamily-based interventions present a much-needed opportunity to increase children’s physical activity levels. However, little is known about how best to engage parents and their children in physical activity research. This study aimed to engage with the whole family to understand how best to recruit for, and retain participation in, physical activity research.MethodsFamilies (including a ‘target’ child aged between 8 and 11 years, their parents, siblings, and others) were recruited through schools and community groups. Focus groups were conducted using a semi-structured approach (informed by a pilot session). Families were asked to order cards listing the possible benefits of, and the barriers to, being involved in physical activity research and other health promotion activities, highlighting the items they consider most relevant, and suggesting additional items. Duplicate content analysis was used to identify transcript themes and develop a coding frame.ResultsEighty-two participants from 17 families participated, including 17 ‘target’ children (mean age 9.3 ± 1.1 years, 61.1 % female), 32 other children and 33 adults (including parents, grandparents, and older siblings). Social, health and educational benefits were cited as being key incentives for involvement in physical activity research, with emphasis on children experiencing new things, developing character, and increasing social contact (particularly for shy children). Children’s enjoyment was also given priority. The provision of child care or financial reward was not considered sufficiently appealing. Increased time commitment or scheduling difficulties were quoted as the most pertinent barriers to involvement (especially for families with several children), but parents commented these could be overcome if the potential value for children was clear.ConclusionsLessons learned from this work may contribute to the development of effective recruitment and retention strategies for children and their families. Making the wide range of potential benefits clear to families, providing regular feedback, and carefully considering family structure, may prove useful in achieving desired research participation. This may subsequently assist in engaging families in interventions to increase physical activity in children.

Highlights

Family-based interventions present a much-needed opportunity to increase children’s physical activity levels
Recruitment rates are often not reported; a review of 23 family-based physical activity interventions was not able to include any information on recruitment compared with those eligible or invited to participate [4]
Data obtained in the pilot focus group was not included in the final study sample

Summary

Introduction

Family-based interventions present a much-needed opportunity to increase children’s physical activity levels. Little is known about how best to engage parents and their children in physical activity research. This study aimed to engage with the whole family to understand how best to recruit for, and retain participation in, physical activity research. Little is known about how best to engage parents and their children in physical activity promotion [3]. Inadequate recruitment strategies may necessitate an extension of the recruitment period; which may be economically and logistically challenging. It may result in recruitment of families which do not accurately represent the wider population, resulting in selection bias.

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion