Understanding family physical activity and health related behaviours : a multi-layered approach

Abstract

In spite of the growing awareness of the importance and health enhancing benefits of physical activity (Anderson et al., 2000; Barengo et at., 2004; Kaleta et al., 2006) the population still remain predominantly inactive (Haskell et at., 2007). Limited UK published data (to date) has simultaneously examined children and families health and physical activity patterns (Wing, 2000). The research aimed to explore and better understand the determinants associated with children and families health related behaviour and physical activity patterns and investigate the underlining factors which direct current and guide future health related behaviour choices. Prior to Study 1 an extensive needs assessment of the area (gathering data on the children and families literacy levels and understanding of research) was undertaken to assist in the development of Study 1's measures. Study 1 then utilised a parental (Goding, 1985; Baker et al., 1994) and children's (Baldings, 1997) health related behaviour questionnaire to explore the habitual physical and nutritional behaviours of children and their families in Knowsley (UK) thus creating a baseline of data to investigate further. One hundred and fifteen children (n=115; M=55, F=60) mean age of 8.6 years completed the self-report questionnaire from five Knowsley MBC (UK) primary schools. Fifty-seven parents (n=57; F=54, M =3) completed and returned the postal self-report questionnaire. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS for windows Version 7 and descriptive statistics (cross tabulation with two dimensional tables), frequency distributions and Chi Square used to assess the children and parents' nominal health related behaviour results.