Rural Latino parent and child physical activity patterns: family environment matters

Abstract

Background Rural Latino children and adults are less active than urban and non-Latino counterparts. We examined physical activity (PA) patterns of rural Latino children and their parents, and explored parental beliefs about and reported barriers of Latino family physical activity. Latino families in a rural area in eastern Washington state, with children in grades 3–5 were included. Methods We used mixed methods. Children (n = 27) and parents (n = 25) wore an accelerometer for 5 days; parents (n = 31) participated in a semi-structured interview and completed a demographic survey. Parent and child activity levels were compared using paired t-tests; interviews were analyzed with qualitative content analysis. Results Although 100% children and 46% parents met physical activity guidelines, parents and children spent most of the day in sedentary behaviors. Parent-reported PA barriers included their long work hours, lack of transportation, and their child’s screen-time. Conclusion Addressing barriers and reducing sedentary time could increase PA of rural Latino families.

Sociodemographic influences on youth sport participation and physical activity among children living within concentrated Hispanic/Latino rural communities

“…However, our results are consistent with earlier evidence for racial and ethnic PA disparities ( 59 , 86 , 92 ), even if estimates suggest children are meeting the daily PA guidelines. A 2021 mixed methods study exploring PA patterns and parental influences on rural Latino school-aged children ( n = 27 3rd–5th graders) also found 100% of children met PA guidelines as measured by accelerometry ( 93 ), but parents ( n = 31) were quick to acknowledge PA barriers and challenges for children. Specifically, the authors highlighted homework, technology (e.g., computer games and television), and a lack of engagement in organized team and league sports after school as major barriers to being active.…”

“…Specifically, the authors highlighted homework, technology (e.g., computer games and television), and a lack of engagement in organized team and league sports after school as major barriers to being active. Aside from children not being interested in playing sports, parents recognized cost and transportation as additional YS barriers but also shared their children engaged in more unstructured activity outside during afterschool hours ( 93 ). As a result, future whole-of-community interventions ( 6 ) aimed at increasing daily PA for ethnoracially diverse children living in rural communities may need to both advocate for low-cost and easily accessible PA opportunities, like YS programs, and also encourage more unstructured free play engaging the entire family.…”