Physical activity barriers and facilitators among working mothers and fathers

Abstract

BackgroundThe transition to parenthood is consistently associated with declines in physical activity. In particular, working parents are at risk for inactivity, but research exploring physical activity barriers and facilitators in this population has been scarce. The purpose of this study was to qualitatively examine perceptions of physical activity among working parents.MethodsWorking mothers (n = 13) and fathers (n = 12) were recruited to participate in one of four focus group sessions and discuss physical activity barriers and facilitators. Data were analyzed using immersion/crystallization in NVivo 10.ResultsMajor themes for barriers included family responsibilities, guilt, lack of support, scheduling constraints, and work. Major themes for facilitators included being active with children or during children’s activities, being a role model for children, making time/prioritizing, benefits to health and family, and having support available. Several gender differences emerged within each theme, but overall both mothers and fathers reported their priorities had shifted to focus on family after becoming parents, and those who were fitting in physical activity had developed strategies that allowed them to balance their household and occupational responsibilities.ConclusionsThe results of this study suggest working mothers and fathers report similar physical activity barriers and facilitators and would benefit from interventions that teach strategies for overcoming barriers and prioritizing physical activity amidst the demands of parenthood. Future interventions might consider targeting mothers and fathers in tandem to create an optimally supportive environment in the home.

Interest in a Twitter-delivered weight loss program among women of childbearing age

“…These results support the acceptability of a Twitter-delivered weight loss intervention in women of childbearing age. This delivery mode may be particularly appropriate for mothers, given the barriers to in-person interventions [32]. Indeed, 100 % of women with multiple children in our sample were at least somewhat interested in a Twitterdelivered weight loss program (compared to 70 % of women with one child and 79 % of women with no children).…”

‘You started something … then I continued by myself’: a qualitative study of physical activity maintenance

“…Previous research into these factors has focussed on the barriers and facilitators to engaging in PA (Horne and Tierney, 2012;Mailey et al, 2014;Alvarado et al, 2015;Martins et al, 2015). Additional research to distinguish what factors lead to successful and unsuccessful PA maintenance has been recommended (Marcus et al, 2000;Boutelle et al, 2004).…”

The influence of child physical activity programs on parent physical activity in a rural community.

“…However, participants reported parenting responsibilities and related time constraints as further barriers to physical activity. Scheduling constraints are a commonly reported barrier for parents (Mailey et al, 2014). Parents of small children identified lack of available childcare as an additional obstacle, similar to the findings of Hamilton and White (2010) …”

“…Declines in physical activity levels are often seen as adults shift into roles as parents (Albright, Maddock, & Nigg, 2006;Hull et al, 2010;McIntyre & Rhodes, 2009;Rhodes et al, 2014). Balancing work responsibilities, household demands, and childcare may lead to scheduling constraints and reduced time for parents to participate in physical activity (Mailey, Huberty, Dinkel, & McAuley, 2014).…”