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

Benjamin Domogalla, Linda K. Ko, Reo Jones, Wafaa Bin Ali, Edgar Rodriguez, Catherine Duggan, Cynthia K. Perry

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

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.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number2043
JournalBMC public health
Volume21
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2021

Keywords

  • Family
  • Latino/Hispanic
  • Physical activity
  • Rural
  • Sedentary

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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