Targeted physical activity messages for parents of children with disabilities: A qualitative investigation of parents' informational needs and preferences.
OBJECTIVE
Physical activity (PA) has myriad benefits for children with disabilities (CWD). Information and messaging campaigns can promote PA among CWD. The overall purpose of the study was to gain an understanding of the development of PA information and messages targeting parents of CWD. The specific objectives were to identify parents' preferences regarding PA information and messaging content and preferred methods and sources of communication.


METHODS
Focus groups were conducted with parents of CWD (N=28). Qualitative data were collected and transcribed. Inductive content analyses were employed to identify key themes.


RESULTS
Three key thematic areas were identified: 1) Preferred content (e.g., targeted information, self-regulatory strategies, inclusive images), 2) Challenges (e.g., lack of information and language clarity), 3) Preferred sources (e.g., other parents, reliable organizations, central information hub).


CONCLUSIONS
Parents' needs and preferences regarding PA information could be incorporated into campaigns to enhance parent PA support and PA among CWD. Stakeholders (e.g., PA organizations, programs and practitioners) can employ these strategies in campaigns and resources targeting parents of CWD. Research is necessary to empirically develop and evaluate PA information and messaging campaigns targeting parents of CWD.
School of Kinesiology and Health Science, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Electronic address: rgunter@yorku.ca.
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RL
Bassett-Gunter
School of Kinesiology and Health Science, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
R J
RJ
Ruscitti
School of Kinesiology and Health Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.
A E
AE
Latimer-Cheung
School of Kinesiology and Health Science, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
J L
JL
Fraser-Thomas
D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D003258:Consumer Behavior; D019988:Children with Disabilities / Q000534:rehabilitation; D004505:Education, Nonprofessional / Q000379:methods*; D015444:Exercise / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008607:Intellectual Disability / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D008297:Male; D016487:Parenting
Children with disabilities; Information; Messaging; Parent support; Physical activity