Family Support For Physical Activity Research Articles

Associations between social support and physical activity among postpartum women: a cohort study

Abstract Background Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) enhances postpartum women’s health, and social support is associated with higher self-reported physical activity (PA) postpartum. It is unknown if this association exist across ethnic groups. Our research questions are: are overall family or friends’ support associated with objectively recorded MVPA postpartum, 2) are specific types of family or friends’ support associated with MVPA and 3) does the association differ across ethnic groups? Methods We used data from 662 women participating in the STORK Groruddalen cohort study (2008-2010). MVPA in bouts ≥ 10 minutes was recorded by SenseWear ArmbandTM Pro3 14 weeks postpartum. Family and friends’ support was measured by the Social Support for Exercise Scale. We used single items and mean score for family (6 items) and friends’ (6-items) support in separate linear regression models, and adjusted for age, ethnicity, education, parity, weeks since birth and body mass index. We tested for interactions between social support and ethnicity. Analyses were performed on complete cases and imputed data due to missing MVPA data. Results Based on imputed data we observed an association between family support and MVPA (β = 4.0, 95% CI, 0.18 to 7.74, p = 0.040). Women reporting high family support on two specific items spent 9 MVPA minutes/day more than women reporting low support (‘discuss PA': β = 8.6, 95% CI: 0.37 to 16.87 and ‘co-participation': β = 8.8, 95% CI: 1.79 to 15.86). Associations were not modified by ethnicity. No statistically significant association between friends’ support and MVPA was observed. Similar results were found in complete case analyses, with few exceptions. Conclusions Overall family support and specific form of family support (i.e., PA discussion and co-participation) were associated with MVPA postpartum across ethnic groups. Friends’ support was not associated with MVPA. Key messages • Postpartum health may be improved across ethnic groups through increased PA facilitated through overall family support for PA and specifically through PA discussions and co-participation from family. • Friends’ support for PA was not associated with PA.

Pengalaman Keluarga Dalam Memberikan Dukungan Pada Pasien Diabetes Militus Tipe 2 Di Wilayah Kerja Puskesmas Mandiangin Di Kota Bukittinggi : Studi kualitatif

<p><strong><em>Background</em></strong><em>: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic disease. It is characterized by blood glucose levels exceeding normal and metabolic disorders of carbohydrates, fats and proteins caused by relative or absolute deficiency of the hormone insulin. Diabetes mellitus results in absolute or relative insulin deficiency and impaired insulin function. Diabetes militus is classified into type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, other types of diabetes and diabetes in pregnancy. <strong>Methods: </strong>This research used qualitative research methods with phenomenological approach. The data were collected through in-depth interviews with 7 participants consisted of 6 female partners and 1 male participant at 25-70 years. They had been selected by purposive sampling technique. The results of the interview were analyzed by using the Colaizzi method. <strong>Results: </strong>The results of the interview obtained 6 themes, namely 1) family support for sugar control, 2) the family’s response to DM patients,3) family response to illness, 4) family support for physical activity, 5) family support in controlling food, 6) family support in taking medicine.<strong>Conclusion: </strong>In short, it can be concluded that the participants had family experience in caring for diabetes mellitus patients knew how to motivate patients to regulate the diet and activities of diabetes mellitus patients. The most important was the patients’ adherent in taking medication and diet. Last. it is suggested that the diabetic patient's family to motivate and support the patient's diet so that the patient can overcome high sugar levels.</em></p>

Influence of the Home Environment on Physical Activity Behaviors in African American Youth.

Background: This study examined the relationships between components of the home environment and physical activity (PA) behaviors among African American adolescents. Methods: A community-based sample of 99 African American parent-child dyads (62% girls; 42% overweight/obese, 15.0 ± 0.2 years) were included in this analysis. The home environment (PA equipment, family support for PA, and internet access) was evaluated using the Health and Environment Survey. Child PA was measured objectively using accelerometry. Data collection occurred between 2014 and 2016. Results: Internet access was associated with 29 fewer minutes of light physical activity [p = 0.011, β = -29.25 ± 11.28 (95% confidence interval: -51.65 to -6.86)], 9 fewer minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity [p = 0.045, β = -9.10 ± 4.48 (-17.98 to -0.21)], and 38 fewer minutes of total PA (TPA) [p = 0.006, β = -38.35 ± 13.38 (-65.62 to -11.08)]. Family support was associated with 2 minutes of TPA [p = 0.044, β = 2.25 ± 1.10 (-1.97 to 3.19)]. PA equipment was not significantly associated with greater PA (all p's > 0.05). Conclusions: These findings suggest that home internet access may hinder participation in PA among African American adolescents. Future research should continue to identify barriers in the home environment that contribute to physical inactivity among African American adolescents.

Family support for physical activity post‐myocardial infarction: A qualitative study exploring the perceptions of cardiac rehabilitation practitioners

Physical activity post-myocardial infarction has numerous health benefits, yet uptake through cardiac rehabilitation is poor. Whilst family support can facilitate patients' recovery, little is known about the role family may play in supporting physical activity for post-myocardial infarction patients. This qualitative study used semistructured interviews with 14 cardiac rehabilitation practitioners to explore their perceptions about the role of the family in supporting post-myocardial infarction patients' physical activity. Data were transcribed verbatim and analyzed thematically. Three familial roles were identified: "family as a second pair of ears," "family as physical activity regulators," and "family as social support." A fourth theme, "factors that influence family support," described how family health beliefs and perceptions could influence the physical activity support provided. Practitioner perceptions suggest families play an important role in post-myocardial infarction patients' physical activity, which is enhanced when families personally value physical activity. Integrating the family into cardiac rehabilitation may help facilitate physical activity-related interactions and promote positive engagement for patients.

Abstract 16455: Family Support for Physical Activity Predicts Engagement in Leisure Time Physical Activity Among Hispanic Adults at Risk for Cardiovascular Disease or Type 2 Diabetes

Background: Hispanics in the U.S. are less likely to engage in leisure time physical activity than non-Hispanics. Among Hispanics, families influence health behaviors and family support may motivate adults at risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) or type 2 diabetes (T2D) to participate in physical activity. Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine whether family support predicts engagement in leisure time physical activity among Hispanic adults at risk for CVD or T2D. Methods: Baseline data from Hispanic adults at risk for CVD or T2D were analyzed. Family support for leisure time physical activity was measured using the Family Support subscale of the Social Support for Physical Activity instrument. This consists of 7 items with response options ranging from never (0) to always (4). Sum scores range from 0 to 28 and higher scores indicate greater family support for engagement in physical activity. Leisure time physical activity was measured using the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II (HPLP-II) physical activity subscale. This consists of eight items with response options ranging from never (1) to routinely (4) with higher mean scores indicating higher levels of engagement in leisure time physical activity. Linear regression was used to examine the association between family support and leisure time physical activity, controlling for age, sex, race, financial comfort, education, acculturation, years living in the U.S, marital status, and employment. Results: Participants (N=182) were 40±9 years old; 82.7% were female. The mean HPLP-II score was 1.7±0.5, reflecting low engagement in leisure time physical activity. Results of the regression analysis indicated that greater family support predicted higher levels of engagement in leisure time physical activity (F(10,171)=2.717, p<.004; R 2 =.137). Conclusions: Family support for physical activity may increase engagement in leisure time physical activity in Hispanic adults at risk for CVD or T2D. Interventions that promote family support for physical activity could be an important avenue for reducing CVD and T2D risk in this population group.

Home Environment Factors Associated With Children’s Physical Activity Levels In A Rural Population

The physical and built environments are related to physical activity (PA) in adults and the relationship seems apparent in children. Child PA behavior often depends on parents in a variety of ways including involvement, facilitation, or role modeling. The home environment is one setting in which these relationships may be further examined. PURPOSE: To examine how facets of the home environment and parent perceptions of neighborhood safety may be associated with child total PA and moderate-to-vigorous (MVPA) levels in a rural sample. METHODS: Baseline data were analyzed from NU-HOME, a childhood obesity prevention, randomized controlled trial in rural communities. 105 children (age=8.96±1.06 yrs) and their parents (age=37.91±5.42 yrs) reported on sociodemographics and home/neighborhood environments. Child daily PA (total and MVPA) was measured using accelerometers and, using SAS 9.4, associations were examined with home/neighborhood environment variables through multivariate regression models, both unadjusted and adjusted for economic assistance. Normality was not met for child daily MVPA therefore analyses used the log-transformed variable. RESULTS: Mean child total PA was 259.08±58.22 min/day and MVPA was 44.95±18.58 min/day. In unadjusted analyses, access to PA equipment in the home (p=0.037) and neighborhood safety (p=0.049) were associated with total PA; however, no factors were statistically significantly associated with MVPA, although access to PA equipment (p=0.088) and family support for PA (p=0.062) were trending towards significance. For both total PA and MVPA outcomes, the regression models including all variables and accounting for economic assistance were statistically significant (p=0.026 and p=0.034, respectively). For each model, the individual effects of parent PA and PA equipment were statistically significant (p ranges from 0.008 to 0.037). CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the potential of the home/neighborhood environment as a space for interventions to increase PA in rural children. Only 14% of children in this rural sample met PA recommendations, so interventions to increase PA, particularly MVPA, are needed. Future studies should include multiple levels of a rural child’s environment (i.e., school, town) to examine which may play the largest role in PA.

Distinct trajectories of physical activity and related factors during the life course in the general population: a systematic review

BackgroundIn recent years, researchers have begun applying a trajectory approach to identify homogeneous subgroups of physical activity (PA) in heterogeneous populations. This study systematically reviewed the articles identifying longitudinal PA trajectory classes and the related factors (e.g., determinants, predictors, and outcomes) in the general population during different life phases.MethodsThe included studies used finite mixture models for identifying trajectories of PA, exercise, or sport participation. Three electronic databases, PubMed (Medline), Web of Science, and CINAHL, were searched from the year 2000 to 13 February 2018. The study was conducted according to the PRISMA recommendations.ResultsTwenty-seven articles were included and organized into three age group: youngest (eleven articles), middle (eight articles), and oldest (eight articles). The youngest group consisted mainly of youth, the middle group of adults and the oldest group of late middle-aged and older adults. Most commonly, three or four trajectory classes were reported. Several trajectories describing a decline in PA were reported, especially in the youngest group, whereas trajectories of consistently increasing PA were observed in the middle and oldest group. While the proportion of persistently physically inactive individuals increased with age, the proportion was relatively high at all ages. Generally, male gender, being Caucasian, non-smoking, having low television viewing time, higher socioeconomic status, no chronic illnesses, and family support for PA were associated either with persistent or increasing PA.ConclusionsThe reviewed articles identified various PA subgroups, indicating that finite mixture modeling can yield new information on the complexity of PA behavior compared to studying population mean PA level only. The studies also provided novel information how different factors relate to changes in PA during life course. The recognition of the PA subgroups and their determinants is important for the more precise targeting of PA promotion and PA interventions.Trial registrationPROSPERO registration number: CRD42018088120.

Pilot Trial of a Home-based Physical Activity Program for African American Women.

This study aimed to assess the feasibility of a Home-based, Individually-tailored Physical activity Print (HIPP) intervention for African American women in the Deep South. A pilot randomized trial of the HIPP intervention (N = 43) versus wellness contact control (N = 41) was conducted. Recruitment, retention, and adherence were examined, along with physical activity (7-d physical activity recalls, accelerometers) and related psychosocial variables at baseline and 6 months. The sample included 84 overweight/obese African American women 50-69 yr old in Birmingham, AL. Retention was high at 6 months (90%). Most participants reported being satisfied with the HIPP program and finding it helpful (91.67%). There were no significant between-group differences in physical activity (P = 0.22); however, HIPP participants reported larger increases (mean of +73.9 min·wk (SD 90.9)) in moderate-intensity or greater physical activity from baseline to 6 months compared with the control group (+41.5 min·wk (64.4)). The HIPP group also reported significantly greater improvements in physical activity goal setting (P = 0.02) and enjoyment (P = 0.04) from baseline to 6 months compared with the control group. There were no other significant between-group differences (6-min walk test, weight, physical activity planning, behavioral processes, stage of change); however, trends in the data for cognitive processes, self-efficacy, outcome expectations, and family support for physical activity indicated small improvements for HIPP participants (P > 0.05) and declines for control participants. Significant decreases in decisional balance (P = 0.01) and friend support (P = 0.03) from baseline to 6 months were observed in the control arm and not the intervention arm. The HIPP intervention has great potential as a low-cost, high-reach method for reducing physical activity-related health disparities. The lack of improvement in some domains may indicate that additional resources are needed to help this target population reach national guidelines.

Evidence of moderation effects in predicting active transport to school.

Distance from home to school is an important influence on the decision to use active transport (AT); however, ecological perspectives would suggest this relationship may be moderated by individual, interpersonal and environmental factors. This study investigates whether (i) gender, (ii) biological maturation, (iii) perceived family support for physical activity (PA) and (iv) multiple deprivation moderate the relationship between distance to school and AT. A total of 611 children (11-12 years old, 334 females) were recruited from schools in Leicestershire, UK. Gender, family support for PA, and AT were self-reported. Home and school postcodes were used to determine multiple deprivation and distance to school (km). Predicted age at peak height velocity was used to indicate biological maturation. Logistic regressions revealed the main effects explained 40.2% of the variance in AT; however; distance to school was the only significant predictor. Further analyses revealed that distance to school had a greater negative impact on the use of AT in late-maturing (OR: 3.60, CI: 1.45-8.96), less deprived (OR: 3.54, CI: 1.17-10.72) and children with low family support of PA (OR: 0.26, CI: 0.11-0.61). This study provides evidence that, although distance to school might be the strongest predictor of AT, this relationship is complex.

Organized Sports and Unstructured Active Play as Physical Activity Sources in Children From Low-Income, Chicago Households.

This study tested associations of organized sports participation and unstructured active play with overall moderate and vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in low-income children and examined factors associated with participation frequency. Research staff visited 88 low-income Chicago households with children ages 6-13 years. MVPA was assessed through 7-day accelerometry. Researchers documented the home availability of physical activity equipment. Caregivers reported on child participation in organized sports and unstructured active play, family support for physical activity, perceived neighborhood safety, and access to neighborhood physical activity venues. Despite similar participation in organized sports and unstructured active play, boys accumulated more MVPA than girls. MVPA was predicted by an interaction between gender and unstructured active play. Boys accumulated 23-45 additional minutes of weekday MVPA and 53-62 additional minutes of weekend MVPA through unstructured active play, with no such associations in girls. Higher reported neighborhood safety and family support for physical activity were associated with engagement in unstructured active play for both genders, and with participation in organized sports for girls. Physical activity interventions for low-income, urban children should emphasize unstructured active play, particularly in boys. Fostering family support for physical activity and safe play environments may be critical intervention components.

The effect of family and friend support on physical activity through adolescence: a longitudinal study.

BackgroundThis study examined if family and friend support predicted adolescent physical activity (PA) across a five-year time span.MethodsThe Iowa Bone Development Study collected objective measures of physical activity and self-report of physical activity psychosocial factors at ages 13 (n = 306), 15 (n = 356), and 17 yr (n = 317). Total moderate and vigorous-intensity PA (MVPA) and MVPA after 3 pm on weekdays (MVPA-PM Weekday) were measured using ActiGraph accelerometers. Family Support for PA and Friend Support for PA scales were measured using the Choices questionnaire. Models were adjusted for SES (mother’s education) and somatic maturity (Mirwald predictive equations for maturity offset). Spearman correlation coefficients examined tracking of scales at ages 13, 15 and 17. Logistic regression estimated the odds ratio for being in the lowest tertile of each scale at age 17 if in the lowest tertile at age 13. Linear mixed regression models investigated associations between these scales and MVPA outcomes over time.ResultsTwo- and five-year intra-variable tracking associations for Family Support and Friend Support scales were moderate (r = 0.32–0.58), except for the comparison between age 13 and age 17 Friend Support for girls, which resulted in a low association (r = 0.26). Boys and girls in the lowest tertile for support at age 13 were more likely to remain in the lowest tertile at age 17 compared to those in the middle and upper tertiles. The regression models indicated that when all other factors were held constant, an increase in family and/or friend support resulted in an increase in both MVPA outcomesConclusionsFrom early to late adolescence, support for PA from the family and/or support from friends results in higher levels of total and discretionary MVPA. However, the importance of support in predicting MVPA decreased with age.

Influence of family, friend and coworker social support and social undermining on weight gain prevention among adults.

ObjectiveExamine longitudinal associations between sources of social support and social undermining for healthy eating and physical activity and weight change.Design and MethodsData are from 633 employed adults participating in a cluster-randomized multilevel weight gain prevention intervention. Primary predictors included social support and social undermining for two types of behaviors (healthy eating and physical activity) from three sources (family, friends, and coworkers) obtained via self-administered surveys. The primary outcome (weight in kg) was measured by trained staff. Data were collected at baseline, 12 months, and 24 months. Linear multivariable models examined the association of support and social undermining with weight over time, adjusting for intervention status, time, gender, age, education, and clustering of individuals within schools.ResultsAdjusting for all primary predictors and covariates, friend support for healthy eating (β=−0.15), coworker support for healthy eating (β=−0.11), and family support for physical activity (β=−0.032) were associated with weight reduction at 24 months (p-values<0.05). Family social undermining for healthy eating was associated with weight gain at 24 months (β=0.12; p=0.0019).ConclusionsAmong adult employees, friend and coworker support for healthy eating and family support for physical activity predicted improved weight management. Interventions that help adults navigate family social undermining of healthy eating are warranted.

The Role of Social Support vs. Modeling on Adolescents' Diet and Physical Activity: Findings from a School-based Weight Management Trial.

Objective:Social influences play an important role in shaping adolescents’ dietary and physical activity behaviors. We examined the role of perceived modeling and perceived social support from family and friends on diet and physical activity behaviors among overweight and obese adolescents participating in a weight management trial.Methods:Six high schools were randomized to a school-nurse delivered behavioral weight management intervention or an information attention-control. Data on perceived support and modeling of healthy eating and physical activity from family and friends and dietary and physical activity behaviors were obtained from participants (N=82) at baseline and 2- and 6-months follow-up.Results:Linear mixed models were used to examine associations between social factors at baseline and diet and physical behaviors at 6 months. Friend support was correlated with increased fruit and vegetable consumption (0.4 servings/day) and decreased added sugar intake (−14.2 grams/day) (p’s<0.05). Family support for physical activity, friend support for physical activity, and family modeling of physical activity were associated with increased number of days/week active for ≥ 60 minutes/day (0.7 days/week; 0.6 days/week; and 0.4 days/week, respectively, p’s<0.05).Conclusions:Among overweight and obese high school adolescents, support from family and friends was associated with a greater number of improvements in diet and physical activity at follow-up than modeling. Strategies to solicit support may maximize efficacy of adolescent obesity intervention efforts.

The Role of Social Support vs. Modeling on Adolescents' Diet and Physical Activity: Findings from a School-based Weight Management Trial

Objective: Social influences play an important role in shaping adolescents’ dietary and physical activity behaviors. We examined the role of perceived modeling and perceived social support from family and friends on diet and physical activity behaviors among overweight and obese adolescents participating in a weight management trial. Methods: Six high schools were randomized to a school-nurse delivered behavioral weight management intervention or an information attention-control. Data on perceived support and modeling of healthy eating and physical activity from family and friends and dietary and physical activity behaviors were obtained from participants (N=82) at baseline and 2- and 6-months follow-up. Results: Linear mixed models were used to examine associations between social factors at baseline and diet and physical behaviors at 6 months. Friend support was correlated with increased fruit and vegetable consumption (0.4 servings/day) and decreased added sugar intake (-14.2 grams/day) (p’s<0.05). Family support for physical activity, friend support for physical activity, and family modeling of physical activity were associated with increased number of days/week active for ≥ 60 minutes/day (0.7 days/week; 0.6 days/week; and 0.4 days/week, respectively, p’s<0.05). Conclusions: Among overweight and obese high school adolescents, support from family and friends was associated with a greater number of improvements in diet and physical activity at follow-up than modeling. Strategies to solicit support may maximize efficacy of adolescent obesity intervention efforts.

The Influence of Rural Home and Neighborhood Environments on Healthy Eating, Physical Activity, and Weight

Despite the recognition that environments play a role in shaping physical activity and healthy eating behaviors, relatively little research has focused on rural homes and neighborhoods as important settings for obesity prevention. This study, conducted through community-based participatory research, used a social ecological model to examine how home and neighborhood food and physical activity environments were associated with weight status among rural-dwelling adults. Data were from a cross-sectional survey of White and African American adults (n = 513) aged 40-70years living in rural southwest Georgia. Data were analyzed using measured variable path analysis, a form of structural equation modeling. The results support a social ecological approach to obesity prevention. Physical activity had a direct effect on BMI; self-efficacy, family support for physical activity, and household inventory of physical activity equipment also had direct effects on physical activity. Neighborhood walkability had an indirect effect on physical activity through self-efficacy and family social support. Although neither fruit and vegetable intake nor fat intake had direct effects on BMI, self-efficacy and household food inventories had direct effects on dietary behavior. Perceived access to healthy foods in the neighborhood had an indirect effect on healthy eating and a direct effect on weight; neighborhood cohesion had an indirect effect on healthy eating through self-efficacy. Overall, individual factors and home environments tended to exhibit direct effects on behavior, and neighborhood variables more often exhibited an indirect effect.

Correlates of physical activity and screen-based behaviors in Chinese children

To investigate individual, behavioral, social and environmental correlates of physical activity (PA) and screen-based behaviors ([SBBs] TV viewing, electronic games playing and Internet use) in Chinese boys and girls in Hong Kong. Cross-sectional study. PA and SBBs were self-reported among 303 children. Individual, behavioral, social and environmental correlates were reported by children and parents. Children's height and weight were measured and population density of residence districts was divided into tertiles. Hierarchical multivariable regression analyses were conducted to determine the contributions of correlates in explaining PA and SBBs. Participation in school sport teams and self-efficacy was positively associated with PA in boys. Girls who reported participation in school sport teams, who perceived more peer support, had a more supportive home PA environment, and spent more time doing homework were more physically active. Family support for PA was negatively and homework was positively, associated with boys' SBBs. Body mass index and parent role modeling of TV was positively associated with TV viewing, whilst more sedentary opportunities in the home were associated with higher Internet use/e-games playing among girls. Sex differences existed among the individual, behavioral, social and home environmental factors related to PA and SBBs. Interventions should consider multiple and sex-specific factors for promoting an active lifestyle and reducing sedentary time among Chinese children.

Self-Perception and Attitude Toward Physical Activity in Overweight/Obese Adolescents: The “Martial Fitness” Study

This randomized, placebo-exercise controlled trial found that 6-months of Kung Fu training improved enjoyment of physical activity more than the placebo-exercise intervention, while both groups improved perceptions of behavioral conduct and changed strategies for physical activity. Importantly, family support for physical activity declined in subjects who had more visits to health care professionals, which is worrisome, as this represents another risk factor for sedentary behavior in this vulnerable cohort that must be overcome for successful, sustained behavioral change. Programs supporting positive attitudes of both adolescents and their families toward physical activity will be necessary to optimize exercise adoption and adherence as a means to combat the obesity epidemic in childhood and adolescence.

Social, demographic, and medical influences on physical activity in child and adolescent cancer survivors.

This study evaluated associations between social, environmental, demographic, and medical predictors, and child and adolescent survivors' physical activity (PA). A structured telephone survey was conducted with 105 caregiver-survivor (aged 8-16 years) pairs and 36 caregivers of younger survivors (aged 6-7 years) alone. Participants completed measures assessing survivor PA and proposed predictors of PA including demographic, medical, social, and environmental influences. Social influences, including family PA, family support for PA, and peer support for PA, emerged as unique predictors of survivor PA. These variables predicted PA after controlling for demographic and medical factors. Child survivors' PA was more strongly predicted by family influences while adolescent survivors' PA was more strongly influenced by family and peer influences. Child and adolescent survivors' PA is strongly influenced by social factors. This finding parallels results with healthy children. PA interventions should focus on family and peer support to increase survivors' PA behaviors.

Familial correlates of adolescent girls' physical activity, television use, dietary intake, weight, and body composition

BackgroundThe family environment offers several opportunities through which to improve adolescents' weight and weight-related behaviors. This study aims to examine the cross-sectional relationships between multiple factors in the family environment and physical activity (PA), television use (TV), soft drink intake, fruit and vegetable (FV) intake, body mass index (BMI), and body composition among a sample of sociodemographically-diverse adolescent girls.MethodsSubjects included girls (mean age = 15.7), 71% of whom identified as a racial/ethnic minority, and one of their parents (dyad n = 253). Parents completed surveys assessing factors in the family environment including familial support for adolescents' PA, healthful dietary intake, and limiting TV use; parental modeling of behavior; and resources in the home such as availability of healthful food. Girls' PA and TV use were measured by 3-Day Physical Activity Recall (3DPAR) and dietary intake by survey measures. BMI was measured by study staff, and body fat by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Hierarchical linear regression models tested individual and mutually-adjusted relationships between family environment factors and girls' outcomes.ResultsIn the individual models, positive associations were observed between family support for PA and girls' total PA (p = .011) and moderate-to-vigorous PA (p=.016), home food availability and girls' soft drink (p < .001) and FV (p < .001) intake, and family meal frequency and girls' FV intake (p = .023). Across the individual and mutually-adjusted models, parental modeling of PA, TV, and soft drink and FV intake was consistently associated with girls' behavior.ConclusionsHelping parents improve their physical activity and dietary intake, as well as reduce time watching television, may be an effective way to promote healthful behaviors and weight among adolescent girls.

Gender differences in personal, social and environmental influences on active travel to and from school for Australian adolescents

Active travel (walking or cycling for transport) is an important contributor to adolescents overall physical activity (PA). This study examines associations between personal, social and environmental variables and active travel to and from school using data from a large observational study to examine active travel in 2961 year 6 and 8 students (48.7% male), aged 10–14 years (M = 11.4, SD = 0.8 yrs) from 231 schools. Participants completed an on-line survey and all reported living within 2 km of school. Data collected included mode of travel to and from school, self-reported health, and PA variables. Social environmental variables included having playgrounds, parks or gyms close by, feeling safe to walk alone, barriers to walking in the neighbourhood (e.g. traffic, no footpaths), peer and family support for PA, existence of sports teams/scout groups, community disorder and perceived neighbourhood safety. Results showed that while more girls (44.3%) than boys (37.4%) walked to school, lower proportions rode bikes (8.3% vs 22.4%) and hence fewer were active travellers overall. Logistic regression models, adjusted for age, location and socio-economic status were conducted for active travel to/from school, separately for boys and girls. Predictors for boys and girls being ‘active travellers’ to/from school included recreational facilities close to home, higher perceived safety of the neighbourhood and higher community disorder. For boys, social support from friends, scout groups available and higher enjoyment of physical activity was also important. These findings suggest areas for future research and may be used to guide strategies to increase active travel to and from school.