Abstract
Background: The association of physical activity (PA) and screen time (ST) on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among predominantly low-income children in the Mississippi Delta region has not been previously described. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional survey to assess health risks from a representative sample of the population ≥3 years old in the Delta Region of Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. Linear models were utilized to examine Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) scores based on reported PA and ST. Results: Median age of the 371 participants was 9.8 years, 57% were African American, and 26% had annual household income ≤$14,999. Overall, 262 (75%) were categorized as physically active and 48% reported >2 hours ST per day. Children reporting exercising 5 - 7 days per week had significantly better PedsQL total score (84.3 vs 80.8; p 2 hours per day) did not significantly impact HRQOL. Conclusions: Findings suggest that PA among children living in the Mississippi Delta was related to higher HRQOL; however, the positive effects of PA on HRQOL may be less for minority and low-income children.
Highlights
The association of physical activity (PA) and screen time (ST) on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among predominantly lowincome children in the Mississippi Delta region has not been previously described
We examined the impact of PA and ST on HRQOL among predominantly minority, rural children living in the Mississippi Delta region of the US
Annual household income was ≤$14,999 for 26% of participants and 24% were from homes that were food insecure
Summary
The association of physical activity (PA) and screen time (ST) on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among predominantly lowincome children in the Mississippi Delta region has not been previously described. Long-term physical benefits of regular physical activity (PA) have been extensively studied with scientific evidence suggesting improvement in strength, agility, and coordination. PA has been shown to have a positive impact on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) for the general population [2], and a limited number of studies have reported a positive impact of PA in pediatric populations [3,4,5]. The rationale for establishing the guidelines was to promote long-term health benefits from regular PA over months and years. Guidelines for children ages 6 - 17 years were established as follows: 1) 1 hour or more of accumulated physical activity per day; 2) this 1 hour of activity should be comprised mostly of moderate or vigorous intensity aerobic activity with vigorous intensity activities being included at least 3 days a week; and 3) muscle-strengthening and bone-strengthening activities should be included on at least 3 days week
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