Abstract
BackgroundThe transition to parenthood is consistently associated with declines in physical activity. In particular, working parents are at risk for inactivity, but research exploring physical activity barriers and facilitators in this population has been scarce. The purpose of this study was to qualitatively examine perceptions of physical activity among working parents.MethodsWorking mothers (n = 13) and fathers (n = 12) were recruited to participate in one of four focus group sessions and discuss physical activity barriers and facilitators. Data were analyzed using immersion/crystallization in NVivo 10.ResultsMajor themes for barriers included family responsibilities, guilt, lack of support, scheduling constraints, and work. Major themes for facilitators included being active with children or during children’s activities, being a role model for children, making time/prioritizing, benefits to health and family, and having support available. Several gender differences emerged within each theme, but overall both mothers and fathers reported their priorities had shifted to focus on family after becoming parents, and those who were fitting in physical activity had developed strategies that allowed them to balance their household and occupational responsibilities.ConclusionsThe results of this study suggest working mothers and fathers report similar physical activity barriers and facilitators and would benefit from interventions that teach strategies for overcoming barriers and prioritizing physical activity amidst the demands of parenthood. Future interventions might consider targeting mothers and fathers in tandem to create an optimally supportive environment in the home.
Highlights
The transition to parenthood is consistently associated with declines in physical activity
Working mothers have been identified as a population that could benefit significantly from interventions to promote physical activity [7]
The results of this study suggest that fathers experience guilt to a similar degree as mothers, but may be less likely to report that guilt prevents them from being physically active
Summary
The transition to parenthood is consistently associated with declines in physical activity. Declines in physical activity across the transition to parenthood, for mothers, are well-documented [1,2,3,4]. Parents face numerous barriers to physical activity (e.g., lack of time, guilt, lack of energy, etc.) and exhibit high levels of inactivity as a group [5]. These trends are concerning because inactivity has detrimental effects on health and quality of life among parents, but may impact their children’s behaviors [6]. Working mothers have been identified as a population that could benefit significantly from interventions to promote physical activity [7].
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