Parent recommendations to support physical activity for families with young children: Results of interviews in deprived and affluent communities in South Wales (United Kingdom)

Abstract

Background Physical inactivity is the fourth leading cause of mortality worldwide. Early childhood is a critical period when healthy behaviours can be instilled for a future active lifestyle. We explored community, societal and environmental factors affecting child and family physical activity and sought parent recommendations to support physical activity in families with young children. Methods We interviewed 61 parents expecting a child or with a baby ≤12 months (35 mother and father paired interviews and 26 interviews with mothers only). We purposively sampled families for neighbourhood deprivation status (Townsend Index; 26 affluent; 35 deprived). We conducted thematic analysis of interview transcripts using Bronfenbrenner's socio‐ecological framework to guide interpretation. Results We identified four themes: work family‐life balance; spaces for activity; beliefs and attitudes; and physical activity facilitators. We found that parents from deprived neighbourhoods were more likely to be underactive because of a complex web of community, social and personal factors which reduced motivation and hindered opportunity for physical activity. To increase knowledge and opportunity, respondents suggested ‘help not tell’ messages covering ‘why’, ‘how’ and ‘where’ information about physical activity, and using physical activity to support community engagement and social interaction. Conclusions Recommendations from parents highlight effective communication about the importance of early child and family physical activity and improved community access to safe facilities and opportunities. Both parents need to be engaged in designing interventions to support greater physical activity and healthy behaviours which are relevant and achievable in individuals’ lives.

Association Between Patient Factors and the Effectiveness of Wearable Trackers at Increasing the Number of Steps per Day Among Adults With Cardiometabolic Conditions: Meta-analysis of Individual Patient Data From Randomized Controlled Trials

“…Although this could be a sample size issue, there are some possible explanations for this finding. People under 50 years old may be less likely to engage with wearable trackers due to caring and work responsibilities, and they may have less time to participate in daily physical activity [ 60 ]. Conversely, patients aged between 50 and 60 years generally maintained better daily physical activity levels than those over the age of 60.…”

Perceived relevance of neighborhood features for encouraging preschoolers’ active play, parents’ active recreation, and parent–child coactivity.

“…Though there were some differences, most neighborhood features appeared universally relevant between income groups. This is supported by qualitative research in parents of young children living in both deprived and affluent neighborhoods (Khanom et al, 2020). For instance, similarities were observed regarding the safety, maintenance, and design of facilities as well as safety for parks, walking routes, and cycling infrastructure, whereas differences emerged around quality and access to neighborhood facilities (Khanom et al, 2020).…”

“…This is supported by qualitative research in parents of young children living in both deprived and affluent neighborhoods (Khanom et al, 2020). For instance, similarities were observed regarding the safety, maintenance, and design of facilities as well as safety for parks, walking routes, and cycling infrastructure, whereas differences emerged around quality and access to neighborhood facilities (Khanom et al, 2020). Given most differences in the present study were regarding destinations, it is possible that these unmeasured characteristics of access, quality, and safety are what contributed to the discrepancies between income groups.…”

Mixed-Methods Systematic Review to Identify Facilitators and Barriers for Parents/Carers to Engage Pre-School Children in Community-Based Opportunities to Be Physically Active

“…It also became apparent during the latter stages of the screening processes that studies containing the views of expectant parents (terminology not agreed and included within the search terms by the team and its wider collaborators) may have provided additional insight. As per the pre-defined criteria, within this review, such studies (e.g., [ 52 ]) were duly excluded from the final analysis. It is important to additionally highlight that the results for the theme ‘Beliefs and Knowledge’ are largely based on the findings of a single study [ 27 ], potentially introducing an element of bias.…”