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PERCEPTIONS OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY CO-PARTICIPATION IN MOTHERS WITH YOUNG CHILDREN

Abstract

Katrina D. DuBose, FACSM1, Kristen Cook1, Deirdre Dlugonski2, Linda May1, Thomas D. Raedeke1. 1East Carolina University, Greenville, NC. 2University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to understand mother’s perceptions about co-participation of physical activity (Co-PA) with their young child. A secondary purpose was to explore similarities and differences of these perceptions among White and Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) mothers. METHODS: Thirty mothers (White n=14 and BIPOC n=16) with children 2-5 years of age completed a semi-structured interview focusing on their current physical activity interactions, beliefs, motivators, barriers, and desired experiences with their child. Transcribed interviews were coded and then the codes were categorized into themes and subthemes. RESULTS: Half of the mothers met physical activity recommendations, 60% had a college or graduate degree, and 63% had 1 or 2 children. All mothers mentioned the importance of Co-PA, especially given the amount of technology present in today’s society. Co-PA allowed bonding time, educational moments, and healthier lifestyles. Common facilitators included social interactions, planning time to be active together, and weather. An important theme discussed by the mothers were the social benefits of Co-PA, including: the importance of being active with other family members, improved connection and cooperation between mother and child, and engaging in Co-PA outside would encourage neighbors to be active. Common Co-PA barriers were time, needing to modify PA based on the young child’s age and mood, and lack of resources. There were more similarities than differences in Co-PA perceptions between racial groups. Some of the differences noted included White mothers expressing more concern about the increase in sedentary behaviors, whereas BIPOC mothers highlighted the importance of modeling physical activity and using physical activity to improve health and expend energy for their child. Regarding barriers, White mothers described screen time as an important barrier whereas BIPOC mothers mentioned inadequate resources/space for Co-PA. Lastly, regarding social aspects, White mothers noted Co-PA resulted in more educational moments, but BIPOC mothers highlighted the importance of Co-PA as a way to motivate neighbors to be active. CONCLUSION: All mothers valued the importance of being active with their young child but emphasized some different barriers and benefits by race. This information can be used to develop family-based interventions to improve Co-PA.

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