Family Cohesion and Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity Among Mexican Origin Adolescents: A Longitudinal Perspective

Abstract

Background Existing racial/ethnic disparities in physical activity during childhood increase Hispanics' risk of developing chronic diseases, which serves to increase health disparities. This study examined associations of family cohesion and conflict with self-reported moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), controlling for psychosocial covariates such as subjective social status, anxiety, and sensation-seeking. Methods 1000 Mexican origin adolescents reported their MVPA levels approximately 2 years apart. Psychosocial covariates, family cohesion and conflict were measured at the first assessment. Generalized Linear Models were used to prospectively examine the relationship between family cohesion and conflict and subsequent MVPA based on 711 participants who had low levels of baseline MVPA. Results 35% of boys and 24% of girls reported adequate MVPA levels at follow-up; girls were less likely to report adequate MVPA (RR = 0.76; 95% CI: 0.61–0.93) than boys. Overall, family cohesion was associated with MVPA (P = .01), but family cohesion was not (P = .41). Gender-based analyses revealed that adequate MVPA was associated with family cohesion (RR = 1.40; 95% CI: 1.03–1.88), sensation seeking (RR = 1.05; 95% CI: 1.00–1.10), and age (RR = 0.85; 95% CI: 0.74–0.98) among girls and with subjective social status (RR = 1.20; 95% CI: 1.08–1.33) among boys. Conclusions The family social environment and gender differences should be addressed in health promotion programs targeting MVPA.

Contextualizing Parental/Familial Influence on Physical Activity in Adolescents before and during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Prospective Analysis

“…This was also confirmed by Ornelas et al who found positive associations of family cohesion, parent–child communication, and parental engagement in physical activity with PAL [ 57 ]. Prospective research by Bigman et al showed a correlation between family cohesion and conflict with PALs among Mexican adolescents [ 58 ]. Adolescents who reported high family cohesion had a 32% greater likelihood of having a higher PAL than adolescents who reported lower family cohesion [ 58 ].…”

“…Prospective research by Bigman et al showed a correlation between family cohesion and conflict with PALs among Mexican adolescents [ 58 ]. Adolescents who reported high family cohesion had a 32% greater likelihood of having a higher PAL than adolescents who reported lower family cohesion [ 58 ]. In contrast, a significant correlation between family conflict and PAL was not found [ 58 ].…”

Youth and Caregiver Physical Activity and Sedentary Time: HCHS/SOL Youth

“…55 Our study and the only 2 prior studies that (to our knowledge) have examined associations between Latino parent/caregiver and youth physical activity levels identified moderate to strong associations. 34,35 From a sociocultural perspective, behavioral aggregation could be stronger within Latino families due to traditionally higher family cohesion and valuation, 56 which might lead families to share activities and support mutual interests. Strong family ties could be a resource for interventions addressing obesity-related behaviors in Latino youth and physical activity and sedentary interventions including parents/caregivers may be particularly effective.…”

Family cohesion and a father's warmth are related to the positive lifestyles of female university students

“…The need for the family to be involved in order to promote of healthy lifestyles is evident since the very moment where the family beliefs on what healthy means establishes a firm foundation for the young adults to consolidate their path to achieve a better health. Some components of family functioning, such as cohesion, have proved to be linked to lifestyles in young people as they encourage physical activity [13] and protect against alcohol [15,16] and tobacco consumption [19]. However, this evidence has not been reported in Latinos and the information available in groups of women is scarce.…”

“…Anxiety and depression symptoms during adolescence are associated with unhealthy lifestyles [12]. Adequate levels of moderate to vigorous physical activity in young women are associated with family cohesion [13], although another study in Mexican adolescents found no association between family structure, dynamics, physical activity and physical inactivity [14].…”