Influences on preschool children's physical activity: exploration through focus groups.
This study explored mothers' perceptions of influences on preschoolers' physical activity. Six semistructured focus groups with 23 mothers were conducted across a range of socioeconomic position locations. Mothers identified 4 key areas of influence: child fundamentals (eg, sex, personality), parent power (eg, rules, support), people to share with (eg, peers, adults), and places and things (eg, physical environments, toys). No substantial differences in themes were identified among socioeconomic position groups. Influences on preschoolers' physical activity are multidimensional, multifactorial, and support the use of ecological models to conceptualize and understand the influencing factors. Associations among factors influencing preschoolers' physical activity should be further investigated through quantitative research.
Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition Research, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia. trina.hinkley@deakin.edu.au
Trina
T
Hinkley
Jo
J
Salmon
Anthony D
AD
Okely
David
D
Crawford
Kylie
K
Hesketh
D000328:Adult; D001315:Australia; D002654:Child Care; D002675:Child, Preschool; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007899:Leisure Activities; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009034:Mother-Child Relations; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology*; D011998:Recreation; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D012923:Social Class; D012931:Social Environment; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D014505:Urban Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data