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. 2021 Nov 8;21(1):2043.
doi: 10.1186/s12889-021-12085-w.

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

Benjamin Domogalla  1 , Linda K Ko  2   3 , Reo Jones  4 , Wafaa Bin Ali  5 , Edgar Rodriguez  6 , Catherine Duggan  7 , Cynthia K Perry  4
Affiliations

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

Benjamin Domogalla et al. BMC Public Health. .

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.

Keywords: Family; Latino/Hispanic; Physical activity; Rural; Sedentary.

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Conflict of interest statement

There are no competing interests to report.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Hours parents (n = 25) spent in each activity level per day. Light activity as defined by < 3 METs, moderate between 3 and 5.99 METS [19, 20]
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Hours children (n = 27) spent in each activity level per day. Light activity as defined by < 3 METs, moderate between 3 and 5.99 METS [19, 20]
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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