Abstract
BackgroundPhysical inactivity is the fourth leading cause of mortality worldwide. Early childhood is a critical period when healthy behaviours can be instilled for a future active lifestyle. We explored community, societal and environmental factors affecting child and family physical activity and sought parent recommendations to support physical activity in families with young children.MethodsWe interviewed 61 parents expecting a child or with a baby ≤12 months (35 mother and father paired interviews and 26 interviews with mothers only). We purposively sampled families for neighbourhood deprivation status (Townsend Index; 26 affluent; 35 deprived). We conducted thematic analysis of interview transcripts using Bronfenbrenner's socio‐ecological framework to guide interpretation.ResultsWe identified four themes: work family‐life balance; spaces for activity; beliefs and attitudes; and physical activity facilitators. We found that parents from deprived neighbourhoods were more likely to be underactive because of a complex web of community, social and personal factors which reduced motivation and hindered opportunity for physical activity. To increase knowledge and opportunity, respondents suggested ‘help not tell’ messages covering ‘why’, ‘how’ and ‘where’ information about physical activity, and using physical activity to support community engagement and social interaction.ConclusionsRecommendations from parents highlight effective communication about the importance of early child and family physical activity and improved community access to safe facilities and opportunities. Both parents need to be engaged in designing interventions to support greater physical activity and healthy behaviours which are relevant and achievable in individuals’ lives.
Highlights
Physical inactivity is the fourth leading cause of mortality worldwide
Many pre-schoolers (2-6 years) fail to complete the minimum daily 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity recommended for young children.[8]
We found that parents from deprived neighbourhoods are more likely to be underactive because of a complex web of community, economic, social and personal factors which block motivation and opportunity for physical activity
Summary
Physical inactivity is the fourth leading cause of mortality worldwide.[1]. Greater urbanization and development of modern technology contribute to inactivity and its associated physical and psychological health problems.[2,3] Inactivity and sedentary behaviour start from an early age and are linked to weight gain through childhood.[4,5] Studies have identified early metabolic markers for high cholesterol, blood pressure and abnormal glucose metabolism in overweight children as young as five[6] and early vascular lesions in overweight children as young as three.[7]. One way to understand how context influences parent and child health behaviours is through Bronfenbrenner's socio-ecological model.[31,40,41] This identifies four levels of influence on a child's development: the individual's immediate physical and social environment such as home and family (microsystem); the wider environment such as school (mesosystems); broader social, political and economic conditions (exosystem). These all interact to affect the beliefs and attitudes of wider society (macrosystems; see Figure 1).
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
