Smoking, exercise and dietary behaviors among mothers of elementary school-aged children in a rural North Carolina county.

Abstract

Tobacco use, poor diet, and physical inactivity are risk behaviors established during childhood and influenced by parents. Improving health habits of rural families poses particular challenges because resources may be limited in number and reach. To characterize the kinds of prevention programs needed by rural families, 501 surveys were mailed to caregivers of elementary school children living in a rural North Carolina county. Health behaviors, related attitudes, and demographic characteristics were assessed. Risk behaviors were defined as eating less than 5 fruits and vegetables a day, exercising less than 20 minutes 3 times a week, and being a smoker. Two hundred and sixty-one adults (55%) completed the surveys. Two hundred and forty-four (93%) were female, with a mean age of 37 years, 55% had a high school or less education, 89% reported at least one risk behavior, and 57% reported 2 or more risk behaviors. Female caregivers with multiple risk behaviors had lower educational levels (p < 0.007) and placed less importance on children's health behaviors (p < 0.009) than other caregivers. Female caregivers with multiple risk behaviors were no less confident they could change their behavior than those with only one risk behavior. The majority of female caregivers of elementary school children in this rural population engaged in and modeled multiple health risk behaviors for their children. Health promotion activities that address multiple risk factors and involve children are needed by young families in rural communities.