Designing a physical activity parenting course: Parental views on recruitment, content and delivery

Abstract

BackgroundMany children do not engage in sufficient levels of physical activity (PA) and spend too much time screen-viewing (SV). High levels of SV (e.g. watching TV, playing video games and surfing the internet) and low levels of PA have been associated with adverse health outcomes. Parenting courses may hold promise as an intervention medium to change children’s PA and SV. The current study was formative work conducted to design a new parenting programme to increase children’s PA and reduce their SV. Specifically, we focussed on interest in a course, desired content and delivery style, barriers and facilitators to participation and opinions on control group provision.MethodsIn-depth telephone interviews were conducted with thirty two parents (29 female) of 6–8 year olds. Data were analysed thematically. An anonymous online survey was also completed by 750 parents of 6–8 year old children and descriptive statistics calculated.ResultsInterview participants were interested in a parenting course because they wanted general parenting advice and ideas to help their children be physically active. Parents indicated that they would benefit from knowing how to quantify their child’s PA and SV levels. Parents wanted practical ideas of alternatives to SV. Most parents would be unable to attend unless childcare was provided. Schools were perceived to be a trusted source of information about parenting courses and the optimal recruitment location. In terms of delivery style, the majority of parents stated they would prefer a group-based approach that provided opportunities for peer learning and support with professional input. Survey participants reported the timing of classes and the provision of childcare were essential factors that would affect participation. In terms of designing an intervention, the most preferred control group option was the opportunity to attend the same course at a later date.ConclusionsParents are interested in PA/SV parenting courses but the provision of child care is essential for attendance. Recruitment is likely to be facilitated via trusted sources. Parents want practical advice on how to overcome barriers and suggest advice is provided in a mutually supportive group experience with expert input.

Parental perceptions on childrens out-of-school physical activity and family-based physical activity

“…On the whole, most parents (n=9) in this study thought that engaging in a family-based PA intervention programme would have positive implications for their family, and perceived factors influencing their engagement were generally consistent with previous research Jago et al 2012). Two parents considered both their children and family as very active by definition of regular engagement in structured PA provision, and therefore viewed themselves as not the intended target audience.…”

“…2013;Jago et al 2013). Although some studies have explored family-based PA intervention recruitment and retention strategies Brown, Schiff, & van Sluijs, 2015;Jago et al 2012), little consideration has been given to parents' concurrent PA knowledge or perceptions which may also have important implications on perceived intervention relevance, uptake, and design.…”

Feasibility trial evaluation of a physical activity and screen-viewing course for parents of 6 to 8 year-old children: Teamplay

“…Based on our extensive formative research [35,36], the recruitment materials promoted a ‘Free 8-week course for parents’ which had the tag line “less stress, more fun in family life”. These materials focused on the parenting aspects of the course which many of the participants mentioned to the intervention staff as a key reason for joining the course.…”

“…The intervention content was informed by conducting in depth interviews with parents who reflected the intended user group [35] and an advisory group consisting of local council and parent-group representatives to help gather expert input and real life experiences which could be utilized in the intervention. The intervention was developed by the project team.…”

Designing a physical activity intervention for children with asthma: a qualitative study of the views of healthcare professionals, parents and children with asthma

“…Family-based content that addresses these issues and addresses parental concerns about physical activity has been developed for children without asthma. [25][26][27][28][29][30][31] There is a need to ensure that materials and support which cover these issues are provided for children with asthma and their families.…”